DALLAS, July 13 — Spain will attempt to neutralise one of the most potent attacking arsenals in World Cup history on Tuesday when they take on France in a heavyweight semi-final showdown.

The reigning European champions and Didier Deschamps’ French team face off at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in what is seen by many as a “final before the final” featuring the two best sides left in the tournament.

In the blue corner are France, who have progressed serenely to the last four on the back of a multi-pronged strike-force spearheaded by captain Kylian Mbappe — he has scored eight goals in six games.

Mbappe’s supporting cast includes Bayern Munich star Michael Olise, Ballon D’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Paris Saint-Germain duo Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue.

In the red corner, Spain, who have calmly worked their way into the semi-finals with their brand of possession-based, relentless football that has become their trademark under Luis de la Fuente.

While individual brilliance has lit up France’s campaign, Spain have relied on collective menace — a well-oiled machine founded on the silky passing of midfielders such as Rodri, Pedri and Fabian Ruiz, providing ammunition for teenage winger Lamine Yamal.

It all adds up to a classic clash of styles that will see Spain attempt to sever the supply lines to Mbappe and company by controlling possession, while simultaneously seeking to put pressure on a France defence that has yet to be seriously tested.

While that may be easier said than done, Spain will take encouragement from their recent record against France.

La Roja defeated France 5-4 in a high-scoring UEFA Nations League thriller last year, and also scored a 2-1 semi-final win en route to victory at the European Championship in 2024.

Nothing to fear 

Yamal, who will go into Tuesday’s blockbuster just a day after turning 19, says Spain have nothing to fear.

“Obviously we are two great teams, among the best in the world. We’ll see what happens, but we have no fear,” Yamal said after Spain’s 2-1 quarter-final defeat of Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday.

“There are two possibilities — either they reach three consecutive World Cup finals, or we beat them three times in a row. We’ll see what happens. We aren’t afraid at all.”

Spain coach De la Fuente echoed Yamal’s message of “no fear”.

“The French are in great form, and we have different playing styles,” De la Fuente said. “We have the greatest respect for our opponents, but we feel capable of beating any team.

“We’re aware of their immense potential, but we also know that we’re the only team to have beaten them in two semi-finals.”

France, meanwhile, will expect their gilded attacking line-up to pose questions of a steely Spanish defence that only conceded its first goal of the tournament in Friday’s win against the Belgians.

There is also a tangible sense of purpose driving a united French squad towards a second World Cup title in three tournaments under Deschamps, who will step down at the end of the finals.

France’s arrival in the last four makes them only the third nation to reach three consecutive World Cup semi-finals after Germany (1982-90 and 2002-14) and Brazil (1994, 1998, 2002).

Deschamps modestly plays down his own role in transforming France into the superpower of modern international football as they aim for a third straight final appearance.

“I don’t know, having very good players I guess. But I can’t be doing my job too badly,” Deschamps said last week when asked for the secret to his success.

“It is a human adventure and even though I chose the players, to be with this squad every day is very important,” Deschamps added.

“I am very happy on a personal level and also happy to see them enjoying themselves so much.”

That sense of affection is reciprocated by France’s players, illustrated most clearly when Mbappe celebrated scoring a goal against Sweden by sprinting to the sideline to embrace Deschamps, who had just rejoined the team after returning to France following the death of his mother.

“It is in this squad’s DNA to all be together and behind the coach, whatever happens,” said Mbappe. — AFP 

LONDON, July 13 — Jannik Sinner was at his clinical best as he successfully defended his Wimbledon title with a bruising four-set victory over French Open champion Alexander Zverev in yesterday’s final.

The world number one recovered from losing the first set in a match largely dominated by serve, eventually wearing Zverev down to secure a 6-7 (7/9), 7-6 (7/2), 6-3, 6-4 win.

The Italian was rewarded for his perseverance in an attritional contest with his first Grand Slam title since lifting the trophy at the All England Club 12 months ago.

Sinner’s fifth Grand Slam crown is just two behind the majors tally of his injured rival Carlos Alcaraz after notching his 100th match win at tennis’ four biggest events.

He hit 58 winners against only 25 unforced errors in three hours and 46 minutes on Centre Court, refusing to buckle against an in-form Zverev who brought a 13-match winning streak at the majors into the final.

Sinner has banished the memories of his shock second-round exit from the French Open at the hands of Juan Manuel Cerundolo when he blew a two-set lead last month.

The closest Sinner came to crashing out of Wimbledon was in the first round when he had to come from behind to beat Miomir Kecmanovic in five sets.

It was plain sailing from then on for Sinner, who has become a fearsome force on grass.

The 24-year-old now boasts a remarkable 44-3 win-loss record this year after winning his sixth title of the season.

Zverev had never even reached the quarter-finals in nine previous visits to Wimbledon, but had been a man reborn in London after finally breaking his Grand Slam duck in Paris.

He managed to take a first set off Sinner in seven meetings, but could not kick on to snap a now 10-match losing streak against a seemingly unbreakable rival.

Zverev, who was bidding to become the first German man to win the trophy since Michael Stich in 1991, will climb above Alcaraz to second in the ATP rankings today.

Zverev left frustrated 

Zverev saved the only break point of a tight first set dominated by serve as it went to a tie-break.

The first 15 points of the breaker went with serve, with both men saving set points, before Zverev clinched with a fizzing forehand winner.

There were no break points in the second set as the players again efficiently bludgeoned their way to 6-6, but this time Sinner stepped it up in the tie-break to level the match.

Zverev finally created his first break point in the seventh game of the third set, but slipped when Sinner dinked over a drop-shot winner.

He clutched his knee and Sinner crossed the net to check on his injured opponent as the crowd held its breath, but was helped to his feet by the Italian.

Sinner made his move in the next game as Zverev’s serve finally broke down.

Zverev threw his racquet angrily across the turf after looping a forehand long on a break point which had seen Sinner lying flat on the turf earlier in the rally.

The top seed immaculately served it out to love, sealing a two-sets-to-one lead with an ace.

Zverev gamely tried to prolong the contest but his race was run when Sinner broke for a 4-3 advantage in the fourth set.

He wrapped up the title on serve despite a dramatic final game featuring arguably the two best rallies of the match, falling to the turf in celebration after slapping away a forehand winner on his first match point. — AFP

PRAGUE, July 13 — An all-round athlete invoking lucky charms including a nose piercing, Linda Noskova showed remarkable grit to follow in the footsteps of compatriot and role model Petra Kvitova by winning the Wimbledon title.

The 21-year-old recovered after wasting five match points in the second set to beat fellow Czech and good friend Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 in Saturday’s final.

Noskova, who will rise from 12th to seventh in the WTA rankings on Monday, is the same age as Kvitova was when she won the first of her two Wimbledon titles in 2011.

Kvitova was watching on from the royal box at the All England Club and greeted Noskova after her victory in the clubhouse.

“As a kid I was always looking up to her,” said Noskova, who has now won three career titles, including the Berlin grass tournament in June.

“She was the face of Czech tennis. When she won Wimbledon, I definitely noticed that and maybe she helped me to get into tennis a little bit.”

Noskova is Wimbledon’s latest Czech champion after Kvitova in 2011 and 2014, following Marketa Vondrousova in 2023 and Barbora Krejcikova in 2024.

Noskova has as much talent as Kvitova but arguably a different personality as she completely ignores her surroundings, locked within herself and focused steadfastly on what she is doing.

“I have always been like that. I want to manage my tennis myself,” said Noskova, who pursued swimming, cycling, athletics and more as a child.

“I don’t even need any connection with the team on the court. In fact, I sometimes forget to look at them throughout the game.”

‘Mental comfort’ 

Noskova has the same low-key personality at home.

“I don’t need people around me. I’m happy on my own,” she said.

“Our community wants and expects us to live in a bubble. Meet duties, show up at social events, meet sponsors… I don’t want to get absorbed by this.”

When the players went on holiday after the 2025 season, Noskova travelled to Zanzibar to volunteer at a local school for a week.

“I could really rest there. I didn’t think of tennis once,” she said, calling the experience “unforgettable”.

“In 90 per cent of cases, mental comfort is more important than physical comfort.”

Noskova has confessed she likes cooking and baking — she has created her own pizza style “with a kind of salad on top”, but also driving her Tesla car.

She has a penchant for lucky charms and rituals — besides the piercing in her nose, she has matcha tea served by a friend every morning at Wimbledon.

“It still works,” chuckled Noskova, who was trained by Martina Hingis’s mother Melanie Molitor in Switzerland as a child.

Noskova has lavished praise on Muchova as a “great girl” since their doubles partnership at the 2024 Paris Olympics where they finished fourth.

Muchova jokingly referred to her as an “ex-friend” after the dramatic Wimbledon climax.

The two had only previously played against each other once — in the third round of last year’s US Open, with Muchova winning in three sets.

Noskova has a painful Wimbledon memory — in 2024, she entered the tournament shortly after her mother had died of cancer.

She could not hide her emotions after winning a rollercoaster final.

Noskova had her face buried in her towel late in the second set after blowing five match points across three separate games, but barely an hour later, she was crying tears of joy.

“I don’t know how to celebrate really. I never know what to do. I’m still kind of down on earth,” Noskova said. — AFP

LOS ANGELES, July 12 — England and Argentina will meet on Wednesday in a blockbuster World Cup semi-final infused with decades of bitter rivalry after they battled past Norway and Switzerland respectively in the quarter-finals.

The South Americans and their talisman Lionel Messi must defeat England in Atlanta to keep alive their hopes of becoming the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962.

England and their key partnership of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane must win to have any hope of ending a 60-year wait for a major trophy.

The winner of that game will take on the victor of France’s semi-final with Spain — they meet in Texas on Tuesday — in the final on July 19.

The Argentina v England match comes 40 years after a seismic encounter in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

Argentina secured a 2-1 victory at the Estadio Azteca with two goals from Diego Maradona — one the infamous “Hand of God” when he punched the ball into the net and the other a dazzling solo effort considered one of the greatest goals ever to grace a World Cup.

For Maradona’s heir, Messi, it will be his 206th match in an Albiceleste shirt, but his first ever against England.

The match will also take place against the backdrop of a lingering sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, known in Spanish as the Malvinas.

Britain sent a military taskforce in 1982 to reclaim the islands after Argentine troops invaded.

After Argentina beat a dogged Swiss side 3-1 in Kansas City on Saturday thanks to extra-time goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez, their coach Lionel Scaloni attempted to take the political heat out of the meeting with England.

“The message is this is a football game. That’s what I can say,” Scaloni said.

“It is a football game and we will be playing against a very tough opponent. They have an excellent coach and this is a football game and that’s all.”

‘Very lucky ‘ 

That coach, Thomas Tuchel, was angry with his England team after they needed extra-time on Saturday to end Norway’s historic run in sweltering Miami.

Two goals from Jude Bellingham gave England a nervy 2-1 victory to send them into the semi-finals for only the fourth time in history.

Tuchel said his team would need to make a noticeable improvement if they were to have any chance of reaching the final.

In energy-sapping Florida heat and humidity, England’s shaky defence allowed Andreas Schjelderup to unleash a rasping shot from the left to put Norway ahead on 36 minutes.

But England got a huge break in first-half stoppage time when Bellingham equalised after an attack that was initiated when a goal kick from Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland appeared to hit an overhead camera cable.

Norway’s players protested in vain and the goal stood. The Norwegians also had a goal controversially disallowed before Bellingham then poached the winner in extra-time.

“We made life very, very difficult for ourselves today,” Tuchel said afterwards.

“The result is fantastic. The last four is amazing, but not happy with the performance… we were very lucky today.”

While football’s world governing body FIFA later said there was “no evidence” the ball had hit the cable before England’s first goal, Norway coach Stale Solbakken was adamant.

“That was unlucky for us,” Solbakken said. “The ball fell straight down from the sky, so it changed its direction. But we can’t do anything about that.”

Erling Haaland, the marauding forward who scored seven goals as Norway reached uncharted waters at the tournament, said his team’s performance had inspired a new generation.

“How we put Norway on the map is maybe one thing that touches me the most,” said Haaland, who failed to score for the first time in 15 competitive games for his country.

“Hopefully now we can establish something when it comes to Euros, World Cups and everything because our generation is amazing and also all this gives motivation to young people back in Norway that it’s possible to play a big stage in the world with a Norwegian shirt. — AFP

KANSAS CITY, July 12 — Julian Alvarez said “you have to know how to suffer” after Argentina came through yet another gruelling World Cup test to beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-finals following extra-time yesterday.

The Atletico Madrid forward scored Argentina’s decisive second goal in the 112th minute in Kansas City to finally end the resistance of the European team.

The Swiss mounted a robust rearguard action after Breel Embolo was dismissed in the second half — shown a second yellow card for simulation.

But Alvarez eventually broke their hearts with a stunning curling effort into the top corner and Lautaro Martinez added a last-gasp third.

The win follows a gruelling 3-2 victory against Cape Verde in extra-time in the last 32 and an astonishing late comeback to beat Egypt for another 3-2 win.

“Obviously you have to suffer — you have to know how to suffer,” said Alvarez after scoring his first goal of the tournament to win the man-of-the-match award. “That’s how the matches are playing out right now.

“The opponents we’ve faced have played very well, too. There are things we can improve on our end as well, but in a World Cup things happen the way they happen, the teams are very strong.”

Alvarez, 26, said he was proud that the three-time champions had reached the last four as they seek to win back-to-back World Cups.

Lionel Scaloni’s men will face England in Atlanta on Wednesday, with the winners facing France or Spain in the final.

“We know England has impressive players, they’re a great national team and are doing very well,” said Alvarez. “But for us it’s time to recover.” — AFP

LOS ANGELES, July 12 — Former double world champion Conor McGregor lost to Max Holloway after only 69 seconds because of a right knee injury yesterday, in his return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship after a five-year layoff.

Referee Mike Beltran stopped the mixed martial arts welterweight contest at UFC 329 in Las Vegas after Ireland’s McGregor, 37, fell to the mat three times in the first minute.

McGregor jumped and launched a roundhouse kick at Holloway in the opening seconds, but hurt his right knee as he planted his foot.

Conor McGregor walks out before facing Max Holloway in their UFC 329 welterweight bout at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 11, 2026. — AFP pic

He crumpled twice more and grabbed at his right knee, prompting Beltran to end the bout.

“What can I say? I had him weak in the knees I guess,” Holloway said.

“So much hype. We’ve got to run it back one more time,” he said. “For it to end like this sucks.”

McGregor walked out of the octagon without comment and Holloway hoped the Irishman’s injury was “not too crazy”.

Holloway said he knew his opponent was in trouble when he backed off.

“I could tell. His whole demeanour changed. He said, ‘Fight! Fight!’,” added Holloway

In what McGregor called “the comeback of all comebacks in sports history”, the bout was a rematch of a 2013 featherweight fight which the Irishman won by unanimous decision.

McGregor had not fought since breaking his left leg in a 2021 defeat to American Dustin Poirier.

Max Holloway celebrates after defeating Conor McGregor in their UFC 329 welterweight bout at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 11, 2026. — AFP pic

McGregor had been the UFC’s most marketable star before that injury, in 2016 becoming the first to hold two titles simultaneously at different weights.

He reportedly earned more than US$100 million for losing a boxing superfight against Floyd Mayweather in 2017.

McGregor’s last UFC victory was a 40-second triumph over American Donald Cerrone in January 2020.

Earlier, England’s Paddy Pimblett stopped France’s Benoit Saint Denis by submission after only 52 seconds of a lightweight bout. — AFP

MIAMI, July 12 — England manager Thomas Tuchel said his team were “lucky” to squeeze past Norway 2-1 after extra-time to reach the World Cup semi-finals, but praised “world-class” Jude Bellingham after his two goals dragged the Three Lions to victory.

A furious Tuchel was in little mood to celebrate despite England reaching the last four for just the fourth time in history after Bellingham’s double overturned Andreas Schjelderup’s opener.

“We made life very, very difficult for ourselves today,” Tuchel said in an animated on-field interview moments after his team’s win.

“The result is fantastic. The last four is amazing, but I’m not happy with the performance.

“The commitment is there, but it made life very, very difficult for us in the way we played, how we played, sloppy, lots of safety, not fast enough, not enough. We were lucky today.”

Bellingham was less than impressed with his manager’s reaction.

“Whatever. Whatever,” said the Real Madrid midfielder after a gruelling 120 minutes in the searing Miami heat.

“It’s difficult out there. It’s a tough shift. All the players are putting in a tough shift. So my thoughts and appreciation go to the players who put in a good shift out there.”

England will face Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday as they attempt to reach the World Cup final for the first time in 60 years.

Tuchel said later he had no doubt over his players’ effort but was adamant that his team would need to improve to progress further in the competition.

“I’m impressed with the shift that they put in, the effort, the belief and to overcome adversity and to dig in and find ways to win is on the absolutely highest level,” the German coach said at the post-match press conference.

“Full credit to the team, we found a way in the last four. This is of course the most important but the analysing head of me and the football coach still thinks that we can and have played better football.”

England were fortunate in two major refereeing decisions.

Bellingham’s first goal was allowed to stand despite Norwegian protests that the ball had struck the TV camera suspended above the pitch in the build-up.

Norway also had a second goal disallowed in the second half after a VAR review for a foul by Erling Haaland before a corner had been taken.

“We were lucky. I stand with that,” added Tuchel.

“No one ever denies that you need luck to go far in tournament football. You need moments where you’re lucky, otherwise it’s just not possible

“I see no harm in admitting it. It’s just the way I felt.”

Tuchel was more fulsome in his praise for Bellingham, who again rose to the ocassion to be a national hero.

After scoring twice in England’s memorable 3-2 win over Mexico in the Estadio Azteca in the last 16, Bellingham moved alongside Harry Kane on six goals in six games at this World Cup with his two goals in Miami.

“World-class performance from a world-class player,” said Tuchel. “In big, big moments, crucial moments, he was absolutely top class.” — AFP

MIAMI, July 12 — Erling Haaland said Norway’s World Cup performances had inspired a new generation despite the disappointment of a 2-1 quarter-final defeat to England after extra-time yesterday.

Haaland failed to score for the first time in 15 competitive games for his country in Miami as Jude Bellingham’s double fired England into the last four.

The Manchester City striker had scored seven times in his four games at a major international tournament to carry Norway to the quarter-finals in their first World Cup for 28 years.

That run included eliminating Brazil in the last 16 as Haaland struck twice to knock out the five-time winners.

“How we put Norway on the map is maybe one thing that touches me the most,” said Haaland.

“Hopefully now we can establish something when it comes to Euros, World Cups and everything because our generation is amazing and also all this gives motivation to young people back in Norway that it’s possible to play a big stage in the world with a Norwegian shirt.”

Haaland’s brand as a global superstar has soared in recent weeks with waves of new American fans taking to his affable off-field personality as well as his goalscoring prowess.

He is hoping Norway can build on their success in the US to become a powerhouse in the coming years.

“It’s kind of difficult to take in this kind of a show or rollercoaster that we’ve been in now for the last six weeks,” added the 25-year-old.

“I think this changes Norway, I think it changes me. I’ve said it many times, we’re building on something in Norway.

“It’s about maintaining this because again we’ve shown that it’s possible to be one of the biggest football nations in the world.”

Bellingham and Haaland spent two seasons together as team-mates at Borussia Dortmund and remain close friends — he said England were lucky to have the Real Madrid midfielder.

“We had so much fun together and I’m not surprised that he scores two goals today and performs the way he does,” added Haaland.

“I think he’s one of the best in the world and he’s a midfielder. He still scores goals, he still manages to dribble every single player on the field.

“It’s just praise for Jude, I think he’s unbelievable. England is lucky because everybody would want a Jude in the team.”

Despite Norway needing a goal, Haaland was substituted at half-time in extra-time as he struggled to cope with the searing Miami heat.

Norway boss Stale Solbakken said his only regret was possibly not taking off his talisman sooner.

“It was not a tough decision to take him out because he was finished and maybe I should take him out before,” said Solbakken.

“We used all his energy and power for game after game. He also got a dead leg in the second half, so that combined with the fatigue — he did everything he could.

“He scored seven goals in five games for us. A fantastic World Cup.” — AFP

KANSAS CITY, July 12 — Julian Alvarez scored a breathtaking goal as Argentina battled past 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra-time yesterday, setting up a mouthwatering World Cup semi-final against bitter rivals England.

Fans of the South American team dominated the stands in Kansas City and were celebrating as early as the 10th minute when their hero Lionel Messi set up Alexis Mac Allister’s opener.

Switzerland levelled midway through the second half through Dan Ndoye but minutes later disaster struck when Embolo was sent off after picking up a second yellow card for simulation.

The match went to extra-time and Switzerland snuffed out wave after wave of attacks until Alvarez curled a breathtaking strike into the top corner in the 112th minute.

Lautaro Martinez added gloss with a late third.

The hard-fought victory for Lionel Scaloni’s men at the Arrowhead Stadium means the top four teams in the FIFA rankings will contest the semi-finals of the 2026 tournament.

Argentina are now unbeaten in their past 12 World Cup matches as they attempt to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain their World Cup crown.

The South Americans swept through the group phase but struggled past minnows Cape Verde and needed a spectacular comeback against Egypt.

Yesterday’s game was another attritional affair against a Swiss team seeking to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time.

Argentina took the lead with their first effort on target when Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister rose between Djibril Sow and Embolo to glance a header into the far corner.

Messi was the provider from a corner, taking his tally of assists across six World Cups to 10.

He is also joint top of the Golden Boot standings with eight goals, level with French forward Kylian Mbappe but he did not find the net yesterday.

The Swiss struggled to counter-punch but had a good chance on the half hour when goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was quickly off his line to deny Embolo.

Argentina failed to muster another effort on target before the break, with Switzerland outpassing the world champions.

The game struggled to catch fire early in the second half but Murat Yakin’s men warmed to their task and got their deserved reward in the 67th minute, when Ndoye swept home following a clever ball from Ricardo Rodriguez.

Five minutes later Switzerland shot themselves in the foot when Embolo, who had been booked in the first half, threw himself to the ground and was dismissed following a VAR check.

Mac Allister headed wide with the goal at his mercy as the clock ticked down and Messi sent a curling shot narrowly wide but Switzerland held on to force extra-time.

They continued to repel constant attacks in the first period of extra-time.

But Argentina finally broke Switzerland’s brave resistance with Alvarez’s moment of magic, which was celebrated by the whole squad, who were on the pitch again minutes later following Martinez’s strike.

Now the winners will turn their attention to the challenge of facing England in Atlanta on Wednesday after Thomas Tuchel’s men overcame Norway 2-1 earlier yesterday.

The history of matches between England and Argentina is peppered with flashpoints on the pitch, set against a lingering sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands, known in Spanish as the Malvinas, in the South Atlantic Ocean.

Britain sent a military taskforce in 1982 to reclaim the islands after Argentine troops invaded.

Four years later Argentina secured a 2-1 victory over England at the Estadio Azteca with goals from Diego Maradona — one the infamous “Hand of God” goal and the other a dazzling solo effort considered one of the best ever.

The teams have faced each other twice in World Cups since 1986 — Argentina won on penalties in 1998 while England gained revenge four years later. — AFP

BERGERAC, July 12 — Tour de France organisers for the first time in the race’s history have decided to shorten a stage due to intense heat, as Belgian sprint king Tim Merlier doubled up in yesterday’s flat eighth stage.

Just minutes after the 33-year-old Belgian had surged to victory in the 180km run from Perigueux to Bergerac with a stunning dash for the line, ASO announced that today’s ninth stage would be changed because of a red alert in the central Correze region.

Meteo France, the country’s weather authority, had declared a red alert “due to an exceptionally intense heatwave” in Correze, ASO said in a statement.

ASO have shaved 30km off the 185.5km stage from Malemort to Ussel, cutting out a hilly loop at the beginning of the stage.

“This decision has been made necessary by the exceptional weather conditions,” said ASO.

“It aims to ensure that the race can take place under conditions compatible with the red heatwave alert.”

Tour director Christian Prudhomme insisted that the shortened route would “not change the sporting aspect” of the stage, which remains “remarkable and fearsome”.

The stage remains hilly with four categorised climbs, the longest being 4.8km and the steepest with an average gradient of 7.7 per cent.

“We’re responsible organisers, we do this with authorities who are very busy elsewhere, beyond the Tour de France,” said Prudhomme.

It is not the first time that organisers have made changes to a stage, even at this year’s race.

But this is the first time that it has been done because of the heat.

Back in May, ASO had decided to shorten the Tour’s second stage in Spain by 13.5km due to an outbreak of swine flu detected on a hill included in the original route.

Then last weekend, fans were told to keep away from the finish area of tomorrow’s third stage ending in the Pyrenees due to a raging wild fire 70km away in southwest France.

Last year’s 19th stage was also shortened due to an outbreak of lumpy skin disease in a herd of cattle on the Col des Saisies, which was duly cut from that stage.

‘We have to be ready’ 

Merlier was quick to praise ASO for adapting to the challenging heat.

“We are now one week of racing, it was always above 35C degrees,” he said.

“It’s definitely a fight to have water, ice and drinks between the (support) cars.”

He added: “So for me, it’s a good idea to shorten the stage.”

Reigning champion and current race leader Tadej Pogacar had resigned himself to just battling on regardless of the weather conditions.

“We cannot expect anything less than around 35C to 40C degrees again,” the UAE Emirates-XRG team leader said of today’s stage.

“We have to be ready as a team, and I think we are.

“We keep the same motto, go day by day, keep cooling the body and trying to survive each stage.”

Prudhomme said that Pogacar had thanked Thierry Gouvenou, the Tour route director, when he told the Slovenian about today’s shorened stage.

He also said that organisers handed out 450kg of ice per day to the teams to help them cool down their riders.

The news overshadowed another dominant sprint demonstration by Merlier.

He had seemed out of contention when he was caught out of position in the last few hundred metres but launched a long range charge to reel in all of his rivals and beat Ethiopian Biniam Girmay into second with Dutchman Olav Kooij third.

It was Merlier’s fifth stage victory in his third Tour appearance and also brought him to within 15 points of Dane Mads Pedersen in the sprinters’ green jersey competition.

“If you win one, you can win a second, and I’m happy,” said Merlier.

“Three (sprint) stages, I won two.

“(It’s) definitely my Tour de France.”

The eighth stage in the Dordogne region, known for its 1,000 castles and ancient cave drawings, had always looked destined to finish with a bunch sprint.

Belgian Liam Slock tried to upset the formbook, though, setting off alone with 40km left.

He had spent most of the day in a three-man breakaway alongside Czech Jakub Otruba, who had been in the breakaway on Friday with Baptiste Veistroffer, and Frenchman Thibault Guernalec.

But Slock, who made headlines last month for a viral video of him winning a race while sliding over the line on his side after crashing metres form the line, was caught 1.3km from the line. — AFP

LONDON, July 12 — Joyous — and relieved — England fans chanted and cheered in packed-out pubs across London as they celebrated their team’s nail-biting quarter-final win over Norway at the World Cup early today.

“Classic England,” 32-year-old Olly Aleksejuk told AFP after watching his team come from a goal down to eke out a 2-1 victory following extra-time to progress to the semi-finals.

“I would like it to be easier!” said the IT worker, one of several hundred people who watched the game on a screen set up outside a bar in south London.

Andreas Schjelderup fired Norway into a shock lead in Miami before Jude Bellingham equalised just before half-time.

England then rode their luck when Norway had a second goal disallowed after a VAR review in the second half for a foul by Erling Haaland.

But Bellingham was the hero when he knocked in a rebound to set up a last-four tie with either Argentina or Switzerland on Wednesday.

“You just know he’s going to pull through,” 30-year-old Lucy Bickley told AFP at the bar in south London, referring to Bellingham.

“It’s almost like you don’t have to worry about it. You know he’ll be like, ‘yeah, it’s fine, chill out’,” added Bickley, who works in marketing.

On the other side of the capital some 1,600 fans wearing St George’s flag bucket hats packed into the Boxpark bar in Wembley, northwest London.

Overjoyed fans sang the Beatles’ hit “Hey Jude” and “Three Lions”, with its famous chorus of “It’s coming home.”

“I had hopes but after the first goal went in from them, I started doubting things, but I always believe,” 31-year-old fan Fabian Maddix told the Press Association.

The government had extended licensing hours for hospitality venues across England and Wales until 2.00am.

The referee blew the whistle, confirming England’s progress to the last four, shortly before 1.00am.

In Camden, north London, fans streamed out of bars, singing, as drivers honked their car horns and cyclists rang their bells.

‘Hell of a beating’ 

Keen football fan Prince William was one of the first public figures to offer his congratulations, writing on social media: “Well done England! Top performance in a tough environment.”

“This is a special team. Commiserations to a proud Norway team. Onto the semi final... Never in doubt!”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official residence of 10 Downing Street was decorated with St George’s flags ahead of the match.

Starmer joined the prince in congratulating the team, and referenced Bjorge Lillelien’s famous commentary when Norway beat England 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier in 1981.

Writing on X, Starmer tagged Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Store, writing: “Norway 1 - 2 Jude Bellingham. @JonasGahrStore, your boys took one hell of a beating.”

Back outside the south London bar, 32-year-old Henry Freestone was predicting that England would reach their first World Cup final since they won the tournament in 1966.

“I think we’re getting to the final, and who knows what happens? Hopefully we go all the way,” he told AFP. — AFP

LONDON, July 12 — Linda Noskova won her first Wimbledon title in astonishing style yesterday as the tearful Czech recovered from wasting five match points to beat Karolina Muchova in one of the most dramatic finals in All England Club history.

Noskova appeared to be on the brink of a devastating loss when she broke down in tears after squandering those match points in the second set of a Centre Court classic.

But the 21-year-old somehow regained her composure in a final with more twists than a Hollywood blockbuster.

Summoning incredible resilience, Noskova clinched her maiden Grand Slam crown with a remarkable 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 victory over her 10th seeded compatriot.

Quite how the ninth seed was able to avoid a complete meltdown in the aftermath of her mid-match collapse will go down in the annals of Wimbledon lore.

In two hours and 28 minutes of unrelenting drama, Noskova showed the heart of a champion to establish herself as the youngest woman to win Wimbledon in 15 years.

“All these matches have been so tough physically and mentally tough, today especially. It’s never easy to get the last point. Karo, you really made me work for it,” Noskova said after lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish.

“All the sad tears, happy tears, sweat, blood and it’s all worth it. I will never forget these two weeks.”

Muchova’s second Grand Slam final defeat left her in tears.

“Really tough to find any words, but I’ll start with Linda, my ‘ex-friend’. I’m kidding obviously, kinda!” she said.

“The way you handled it is really unbelievable. Beyond this you are a very kind person. You deserve it.”

The third tour-level title of Noskova’s career emulated the success of her compatriot Petra Kvitova, who was the same age when she won the first of her two Wimbledon crowns in 2011.

It was a full circle moment for Noskova, who was inspired to take up tennis by the Wimbledon success of her childhood idol Kvitova.

Czech Republic’s Linda Noskova celebrates winning against Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova during their women’s singles final tennis match on the thirteenth day of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 11, 2026. — AFP pic

Fittingly, Kvitova was watching from the royal box as Noskova celebrated her breakthrough victory.

For the third time in the last four years, a Czech woman won Wimbledon following Barbora Krejcikova in 2024 and Marketa Vondrousova in 2023.

Noskova, who banked the winner’s prize of £3.6 million (US$4.8 million), has emerged as one of the rising stars of the women’s game during her remarkable run at the All England Club.

Noskova, who only played her first match on grass in Birmingham in 2023, has won more matches on the surface than any other player on the WTA Tour in the past two years.

Even so, she had never been past the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam prior to arriving at Wimbledon two weeks ago.

From the depths of despair 

With her love of baking, penchant for lucky charms and unusual rituals — besides the piercing in her nose, she has matcha tea served by a friend every morning during the tournament — the quirky Noskova is a colourful addition to Wimbledon’s list of champions.

She has a painful Wimbledon memory — in 2024, she entered the tournament shortly after her mother had died of cancer.

Now she has a happier one to ease a little of that pain.

In the first Open era Grand Slam final between two Czech women, the pair are long-time friends, it was Noskova who took the first set with ease.

But Noskova wobbled spectacularly, wasting four match points and allowing Muchova to break back when she served for the match in the second set.

Putting her fingers in her ears to block out the crowd’s stunned reaction, Noskova squandered another match point as Muchova held to level at 5-5.

Noskova covered her head in a towel and appeared to wipe away tears before Muchova closed out the set.

She stormed off court before the deciding set, taking a break that proved decisive.

From the depths of despair, she broke early in the set and finally sealed her victory before collapsing to the turf in disbelief. — AFP

MIAMI, July 12 — Jude Bellingham was England's hero once more by scoring twice as the Three Lions came from behind to end Norway's historic run and reach the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win after extra-time yesterday.

In their first ever quarter-final, Andreas Schjelderup fired Norway into a shock lead in the searing Miami heat.

But Bellingham, who also netted a double in a memorable 3-2 over Mexico in the last 16, produced a moment of magic to equalise just before half-time.

Norway had a second goal controversially disallowed after a VAR review in the second half for a foul by Erling Haaland as both sets of players were pushed to their physical limits by going to extra-time.

Bellingham came up with another big moment as he pounced on an error by Orjan Nyland to sweep in his sixth goal of the tournament.

England will face Argentina or Switzerland on Wednesday for the chance to reach a first World Cup final in 60 years.

Haaland's spectacular run of scoring in his last 14 competitive matches for Norway came to an end against the land of his birth with Norway's exhausted talisman replaced at half-time of extra-time.

Having failed to win a World Cup knockout game after conceding first since the final of 1966 before this tournament, England have now done so twice in three matches.

Norway forward Erling Haaland reacts after his team’s 2-1 World Cup quarter-final defeat by England at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens on July 11, 2026. — AFP pic

Energy-sapping heat 

Harry Kane's heroics prevented an embarrassing early exit to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the last 32.

But it is Bellingham who has stood up in the past two matches to keep England in the hunt to end their long wait for major tournament glory despite far from flawless performances.

The 5:00pm local time (2100 GMT) kick-off in Florida meant that temperatures remained above 30 degrees Celsius throughout, with intense humidity making for draining conditions for the players.

The heat looked as if it would spoil the spectacle in the first half.

Thomas Tuchel's men were rattled as England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford saved low from Martin Odegaard before Alexander Sorloth wasted a glorious chance when he failed to feed Haaland and instead went for goal himself.

Almost immediately Bellingham pulled his team out of the mire once more.

Bellingham had been well marshalled until he collected Anthony Gordon's pass, burst into the box at speed and then slotted home on his weaker left foot.

Momentum was suddenly in England's favour and they nearly went into the break ahead.

Bellingham was this time the creator for Kane, who dinked the ball coolly over Nyland, but had just drifted offside.

Tuchel introduced Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze at the break for the ineffective Noni Madueke and Declan Rice — the Arsenal midfielder had been suffering with illness earlier in the week.

But those changes left England light in midfield and they were left hanging on at spells in the second half.

Torbjorn Heggem made the most of some sloppy defending to turn in at the back post, but Haaland was penalised for a push on new Manchester City teammate Elliott Anderson before the corner had been taken, and the goal was disallowed.

Norway were inches away from a winner again when Kristoffer Ajer hit the bar after England fail to deal with another dangerous corner.

Both sides visibly wilted in the energy-sapping conditions late on but were forced to endure an extra 30 minutes.

Nyland had been Norway's supporting act in the last 16 win over Brazil with a series of saves before Haaland struck twice late on for a landmark victory.

This time the Sevilla goalkeeper was the villain as he spilled substitute Morgan Rogers' shot from distance and Bellingham pounced and scored.

England were awarded a penalty moments later, but this time VAR intervened in Norway's favour to deem Djed Spence had initiated contact inside the box.

Yet, Norway's spirit was already crushed, epitomised by a slouched Haaland watching on from the bench with nothing more to give. — AFP

LOS ANGELES, July 11 — England lock horns with Norway in a World Cup quarter-final in Miami on Saturday that pits Harry Kane against Erling Haaland in a mouthwatering battle of elite strikers.

The teams are competing to face either reigning champions Argentina or surprise package Switzerland in the semi-finals.

Kane has once again been England’s hero, dragging his teammates through an attritional last-16 meeting with Mexico at the Estadio Azteca that they won 3-2 despite having a man sent off.

The Bayern Munich forward has scored six goals to fire the Three Lions into the quarter-finals.

Haaland, meanwhile, appears to have been enjoying himself ever since he arrived in the United States, smashing in seven goals to carry Norway further than ever before at a World Cup.

Their dream run, which included eliminating Brazil, has been accompanied by their fans’ joyful rowing celebration that has transformed venues across the US into giant human Viking ships.

“Every game has been the most important (in history) for Norwegian football, especially in the knockout rounds, so this is the third time it is the most important game,” Norway coach Stale Solbakken said on Friday.

Kane described 25-year-old Haaland as “a beast” but insisted that he and the Manchester City striker have very different styles.

“I see myself as a different player, although I score the same goals,” the England captain, 32, said on Friday.

“I like to maybe touch the ball a little bit more, be involved with the play a little bit more, but also can play as maybe the out-and-out number nine.”

“I don’t think it’s one to compare ourselves. I respect him a lot as a player and as a professional.”

England were boosted by the return to training on Friday of influential trio Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James, who have been recovering from illness and injury.

Coach Thomas Tuchel described their return as “the best news” and said: “We took a big step in our last match, but it was only a step.”

“The next step is to win a quarter-final. The important thing is to look up at what is ahead of us.”

The clash at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium is expected to be a gruelling affair, with temperatures forecast to climb above 40°Celsius (104°Fahrenheit).

Fatigue setting in? 

Argentina began their bid to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups with a smooth start.

But since reaching the knockout rounds, cracks have started to appear, with the defending champions pushed to the limit by first-time World Cup participants Cape Verde and then Egypt.

Lionel Messi, who turned 39 during the group stage, remains the South Americans’ talisman, with his brilliance repeatedly rescuing his team from difficult moments.

However, Switzerland, led by midfield general Granit Xhaka, could look to exploit any signs of fatigue when the sides meet at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

“They have very experienced players. They are strong. So it will be a tough opponent, that is for sure,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said on Friday.

Messi will look to add to his record 21 goals across the six World Cups he has played in.

His tally could have been even higher had he converted two penalties, but Scaloni said he would not remove his captain from spot-kick duties.

“It wouldn’t even cross my mind to go and tell him not to (take the next penalty). Let him do whatever he wants,” he said.

On Friday, Spain struck late to beat Belgium 2-1 and book a blockbuster World Cup semi-final against France.

The match in Los Angeles was decided by a goalkeeping error from Belgium’s Senne Lammens, who spilled a shot to allow Mikel Merino to score the winner in the 88th minute.

European champions Spain, who conceded their first goal of the tournament, will now face free-flowing France in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente described the match as “a final before the final” given the quality of both teams. — AFP

MIAMI, July 11 — England captain Harry Kane has described Erling Haaland as “a machine” and “a beast”, but insists the pair are “completely different players” ahead of Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final between England and Norway.

Haaland has scored seven goals in his first four matches at a major tournament, including a brace that knocked out Brazil and sent Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.

“I think we’re completely different players. I know we’re both strikers, but we’re in almost two different positions,” Kane told his pre-match press conference.

“Erling is incredible, his goalscoring record, physically he’s a machine, he’s a beast. His finishing is at the highest level and his goalscoring record speaks for itself.”

“I see myself as a different player, although I score the same goals. I like to maybe touch the ball a little bit more, be involved with the play a little bit more, but also can play as maybe the out-and-out number nine.”

Kane said comparing the two forwards was difficult, adding that he has great respect for the Manchester City striker.

“I don’t think it’s one to compare ourselves. I respect him a lot as a player and as a professional. Obviously, I’m hoping he has a quiet day tomorrow, but I think his overall performance is very good. He’s a fantastic player.”

The England skipper has scored six goals at this year’s tournament, taking his overall World Cup tally to 14, but he and Haaland both trail Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who have each scored eight times in the race for the Golden Boot.

Kane won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, but says lifting the trophy with England matters far more than claiming another individual honour.

“I think it’s been an amazing World Cup on that front in terms of all the top strikers, all the top goalscorers scoring goals and affecting games. It’s not always the case at these major tournaments,” he said.

“It’s a great competition. It puts me in a mindset to be at my very best level as much as possible.”

“My main goal is to win the World Cup more than another Golden Boot, but I also know I’m a goalscorer, I’m the number nine, so if I’m scoring goals, it’s obviously going to help the team.”

England have not won a major men’s tournament since the 1966 World Cup despite reaching two European Championship finals and the latter stages of recent World Cups under former manager Gareth Southgate.

Kane said the squad is determined to make the most of its opportunity.

“Ultimately, until we win that trophy, there’s always going to be that talk around England and the team but we’re in a good position. We’re in a place that we wanted to be six weeks ago when we met up for prep camp,” he said.

“We took a lot of good steps in the right direction. We’ve overcome a lot of difficult moments and difficult games.”

“Now we’re in the final eight days of the final push. We’re going to need everyone to be at the highest level to achieve our dreams.” — AFP

HAMILTON (Canada), July 11 — Fifa has begun offering fans the chance to own a piece of football history by selling authentic fragments of the playing surface from the 2026 Fifa World Cup final through its official online store, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

The “Fifa World Cup 2026 Piece of the Pitch – Foundation Edition” is priced at US$450 (RM1,831) and contains an original piece of the iconic final pitch at the New York New Jersey Stadium, permanently preserved in a premium acrylic display with an integrated USB keepsake.

“Each piece contains an original fragment of the iconic Final playing surface, making it a unique collectable that celebrates one of the world’s greatest sporting events,” Fifa said in the product description.

The acrylic USB includes an authenticity film, while the collectable comes packaged in a premium hinged shoulder box with spot UV detailing and is aimed at collectors, fans and football enthusiasts.

According to the Fifa Store, orders will not be shipped until after the final, and the product is available only to customers in the US, UK and Europe.

The Foundation Edition measures 17.5 centimetres (6.9 inches) by 17.5 centimetres by 17.5 centimetres. — Bernama-Anadolu

COPENHAGEN, July 11 — Norwegian municipalities and event organisers are scrambling to secure giant screens ahead of the national team’s World Cup quarter-final against England, according to Scandinavian media on Friday, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

Many local authorities and businesses plan to show Saturday’s match to large crowds, but reports said giant screens are in short supply.

Morten Reffhaug of big-screen company To-Be-More in the town of Lier told Norwegian broadcaster NRK he could barely keep up with the flood of requests for additional screens.

Broadcasters DR and SVT reported that Norwegian officials had even contacted companies in Denmark and Sweden to source more screens for what will be Norway’s first men’s World Cup quarter-final. — Bernama-dpa

LONDON, July 11 — England captain Harry Kane has described playing a round of golf with United States (US) President Donald Trump as “a pretty surreal experience”, reported PA Media/dpa.

Trump revealed earlier this week that the pair had played together, telling reporters: “I think Kane is a great player. I played golf with him and I like him a lot. He’s a good golfer too. He’s really great.”

Kane said the game took place about 18 months ago in Florida and admitted he was impressed by Trump’s golfing ability despite the president being almost 80 years old.

“I played alright to be honest, but 18 months ago he invited me to play when I was down in Palm Beach,” the 32-year-old said ahead of England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday.

“So when the president invites you somewhere, it was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and obviously play golf with him.”

“His golf is pretty good, to be honest with you. I hope I can play golf as good as him when I’m his age, that’s for sure.”

“A unique experience, but I was just grateful that he invited me to play.” — Bernama-PA Media/dpa

MELAKA, July 11 — A motorcyclist and his 11-year-old son were seriously injured in a 10-vehicle collision on the Alor Gajah-Melaka Tengah-Jasin (AMJ) Highway in Cheng last night.

Melaka Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) chief Supt Muhammad Zaki Ramat said the accident, which occurred at about 9 pm, involved seven cars, a lorry, a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a Honda Dash motorcycle carrying the father and son.

He said the 39-year-old motorcyclist suffered a broken leg, while his son sustained serious head injuries and required intubation after their motorcycle was struck from behind.

“Preliminary investigations found that a Toyota Hilux travelling from Malim towards Cheng is believed to have lost control before crashing into several vehicles that had stopped at a traffic light intersection, including the motorcycle carrying the two victims.

“As a result, the motorcyclist suffered a broken leg, while the pillion rider sustained head injuries and required intubation. The 29-year-old Toyota Hilux driver suffered minor facial injuries,” he said in a statement today.

Muhammad Zaki said all the injured victims were taken to Melaka Hospital for treatment.

He said drug and breathalyser tests conducted on the Toyota Hilux driver returned negative results. However, a blood sample was taken and will be sent to the Melaka Chemistry Department for toxicology analysis.

He added that all vehicles involved will be sent to the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (PUSPAKOM) in Alor Gajah for further inspection.

The case is being investigated under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Muhammad Zaki also said dashcam footage of the incident had been obtained and would form part of the investigation. — Bernama

LONDON, July 11 — Jannik Sinner hailed Novak Djokovic as a “true inspiration” as the defending Wimbledon champion revealed he had to raise his game to end his rival’s title bid on Friday.

Sinner produced one of his best performances this year to rout Djokovic 6–4, 6–4, 6–4 in a one-sided Centre Court semi-final.

The world number one will face French Open champion Alexander Zverev in the final on Sunday.

Sinner’s dynamic display avenged his Australian Open last-four loss to Djokovic in January.

Djokovic once again fell short in his quest to make history with a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, which would break his tie with Margaret Court.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion might be in the twilight of his career.

But the 39-year-old showed in his five-hour victory over third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime — the longest quarter-final in Wimbledon history — that he can still compete with far younger players.

Full of admiration for Djokovic’s longevity, Sinner said: “Even when I had this small winning streak from last year, you always feel pressure before playing against Novak.

“This is why I practise. I like challenges. Playing against Novak in Grand Slams, they are very different than playing in Masters events.

“It’s so amazing to see him still producing this kind of level. The match he has played with Felix, I was watching. The level was so high.

“It’s a true inspiration for all of us and also the younger generation, how much a good mindset can do to your body and mind as well.”

‘An honour to play against him’

Brushing away talk of retirement, Djokovic said after losing to Sinner that he plans to return to Wimbledon at least one more time.

Sinner would welcome Djokovic extending his remarkable career, but for now he hopes his latest victory over the Serb will propel him to a fifth Grand Slam title on Sunday.

“Seeing him around and having the honour to play against him, feeling the pressure against him, these matches, they hopefully can help me and also in the future,” he said.

“I think mentally I knew that I need to level up. I’ve done it today. It helped me, for sure.

“Against Novak, if you want to play even, you need to play your best tennis.”

Sinner has won his last nine meetings with Zverev, including the 2025 Australian Open final.

But the German has been in superb form over the last two months, finally winning his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros before sweeping into his maiden Wimbledon final.

The 29-year-old has ditched his tag as the sport’s nearly man and Sinner is well aware of the threat he poses to his title defence.

“Whatever happened in the past between me and him, it happened. In between, he won a Grand Slam in Paris, which gave him a lot of confidence. We can see the level he’s producing here,” Sinner said.

“He tried for so long, and then when you finally achieve it, it’s amazing and gives you this confidence boost. We see it again here. It shows that he is playing incredible tennis.

“I’m happy to face him. I try to do the best I can, and then we see how it goes. But it’s going to be very tough, very different than all the other matches we have played.” — AFP

LONDON, July 11 — Michael Edwards has quit his role as chief executive of football with Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group, the company announced on Friday.

Edwards, Liverpool’s former sporting director, was appointed to his new job in March 2024, shortly before the departure of manager Jurgen Klopp, with a remit to head up a multi-club operation for FSG.

However, the American owners shelved those plans late last year.

Edwards said in a statement issued by FSG that he was leaving Liverpool in a “strong position”.

“When I returned, I was excited not only by the opportunity to help guide Liverpool through an important period of transition, but also by the chance to help shape FSG’s wider football ambitions,” he said.

“While that broader project ultimately evolved differently to how we had originally envisaged, I am proud of the work our team undertook in presenting ownership with a broad range of thoughtful and well-developed options for the future.”

FSG said Edwards’ departure marked the “culmination of a planned transition following the completion of key strategic priorities”.

FSG president Mike Gordon praised Edwards’ “extraordinary contribution” to Liverpool and FSG.

“His return to the organisation saw Liverpool successfully navigate a significant period of transition before securing the club’s historic 20th English league title, an achievement to which Michael made an important contribution,” he said.

In his previous spell at Liverpool, Edwards had notable success in the transfer market, bringing in a string of star players including Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.

The club ended a 30-year wait for the English league title in 2020 under Klopp and won the Premier League again under Dutchman Arne Slot in the 2024/25 campaign.

But they lost their way badly after spending heavily following that title triumph, slipping to a fifth-placed finish last season.

That resulted in the sacking of Slot and his replacement by Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.

There is also speculation that Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes could be set for a move to Saudi Arabia. — AFP

MIAMI, July 11 — Norway coach Stale Solbakken said the showdown between Erling Haaland and Harry Kane will go a long way to deciding his side’s World Cup quarter-final against England on Saturday.

Haaland has struck seven times in his first four appearances at a major tournament to fire Norway to the last eight for the first time on their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.

Kane is just one goal behind the Manchester City striker for the tournament after taking his World Cup tally to 14 as he has helped England reach a third consecutive quarter-final.

“I think it’s Norway versus England but I don’t think it is a secret that Kane is the match winner number one for England and Haaland is the match winner number one for us,” Solbakken said at his pre-match press conference in Miami.

Solbakken’s counterpart Thomas Tuchel was recruited by the English Football Association to get a talented generation of players over the line after a series of narrow misses at major tournaments under his predecessor Gareth Southgate.

By contrast, Norway are in their first major tournament of any kind for 26 years and have exceeded expectations, most notably in a stunning 2–1 win against Brazil thanks to Haaland’s late double in the last 16.

“Every game has been the most important (in history) for Norwegian football, especially in the knockout rounds, so this is the third time it is the most important game,” added Solbakken. “I feel the players are in a relaxed but competitive mood.

“I think England has more pressure than us, but we also put pressure on our performance. When the game has started I don’t think the players think so much about the pressure when it’s eleven versus eleven.”

Norway’s progress has caught the imagination at home and across the Atlantic in the United States.

Their fans’ Viking row celebration has become one of the iconic images of the tournament, while Haaland’s status as a global star has soared thanks to his goalscoring prowess on the pitch and jovial personality off it.

“I think the whole of Norway is looking forward to tomorrow. We’ve had some great nights in this World Cup before and it brings the country together,” said Solbakken.

“Maybe this will never come back to Norway because I think we will qualify more. Every time (now) we have a possibility to go through to a European Championship or a World Cup. But now it’s 26 years since we had it last time.”

The match in south Florida could be impacted by brutal heat and humidity that is forecast around the 5:00 pm local time (2100 GMT) kick-off.

Miami is currently under a heat advisory from the US National Weather Service with “feels like” temperatures rising beyond 40°Celsius (104°Fahrenheit).

“We have trained very lightly. We haven’t done much hard work. We are with the tactical sessions, but in a lower tempo and not trained for long periods. So it’s all about being fresh tomorrow,” said Solbakken, whose side have trained in Miami for the past three days.

The two countries, he said, would have to get “used to the same conditions.” — AFP

LOS ANGELES, July 11 — Lamine Yamal said if Spain wins the World Cup nobody will care about his failure to score, after the teen superstar was again absent from the scoresheet in his side’s 2–1 quarter-final win over Belgium on Friday.

At a tournament where stars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane have been prolific, 18-year-old Yamal has just one goal to date, in a routine 4–0 group drubbing of Saudi Arabia.

“Obviously I want to score, but I don’t go onto the pitch thinking about that. I do it thinking about helping the team,” said Yamal.

“If we win the World Cup, no one will remember whether I scored goals… the important thing is winning,” said the Barcelona star, after the victory in Los Angeles set up a semi-final clash with France.

“I know I can contribute even if I don’t score. I know my movements draw in many opponents, so I do everything I can to help the team,” he said.

Then just 16, Yamal was the breakout star of the Spanish team that won the European Championships two years ago.

He only scored once during that victorious campaign — a stunning strike in a 2–1 semi-final win against France.

“There’s an idea that I should be scoring more, like at the Euros, but we won the Euros with me scoring just one goal. And I have one goal here too, so I’m relaxed about it,” he said, with a smile.

But Spain will be hoping Yamal, who turns 19 the day before the semi-final, can bag further goals if his side are to see off the free-scoring tournament favourites France.

“There are two possibilities — either they reach three consecutive World Cup finals, or we beat them three times in a row. We’ll see what happens,” said Yamal.

“We aren’t afraid at all.” — AFP

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 — The National Sports Council (NSC) is targeting at least 70 per cent of Malaysian athletes to finish on the podium at the 2027 SEA Games, which will be held from Sept 18 to 29 in Sarawak, Penang, Johor and Kuala Lumpur.

NSC director-general Jefri Ngadirin said the target was based on a presentation on the implementation status of athlete preparation programmes, including the Podium Programme and Para Programme, at the second Athletes’ Progress Committee meeting held today.

He said the presentation also outlined athletes’ performance assessments based on world rankings and achievements at the world, Asian and SEA Games levels.

“This has been presented, and it appears we are making good progress towards achieving the target,” he told reporters after the meeting at the NSC headquarters here today.

The meeting was also attended by representatives from the National Sports Institute (NSI), the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), the Paralympic Council of Malaysia (MPM), the Education Ministry, the Higher Education Ministry, the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), as well as both Chef de Mission (CDM) for Malaysia’s contingent to the 2027 SEA Games and 2027 Para SEA Games.

Jefri said the NSC will also establish three sports village clusters in Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur and Penang to provide integrated support services for athletes ahead of the Games.

He said the sports villages would house various services under one roof, including from the National Sports Institute (NSI), to ensure athletes receive comprehensive or “360-degree” support throughout the Games.

Meanwhile, he said Malaysia has requested the organisers to accommodate the national contingent in hotels separate from those of other countries to facilitate operational coordination and service delivery for athletes.

“In fact, there will not be much additional cost because accommodation is already provided by the organisers. We are only requesting that the hotel be reserved exclusively for the Malaysian contingent,” he said.

Jefri added that the NSC has also established a performance evaluation and audit panel to objectively monitor the implementation of athlete preparation programmes. The independent panel will be chaired by former national athlete Datuk Marina Chin.

He said the panel was set up to avoid any conflict of interest should the NSC assess its own programmes, while ensuring that programme monitoring and performance audits are conducted transparently and effectively in the lead-up to the 2027 SEA Games.

He also said official visits by the Chef de Mission to training centres for sports not involved in the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya will begin after next year’s Commonwealth Games to obtain direct feedback on the needs and challenges faced by each national sports association. — Bernama

LOS ANGELES, July 10 — The best of Lamine Yamal is yet to come at this World Cup, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente warned, ahead of tomorrow’s quarter-final clash with Belgium in Los Angeles.

Teen sensation Yamal powered Spain to glory at the European Championships two years ago, but has yet to fully shine at a World Cup where other marquee names like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are banging in goals.

“We know that the best version of him, the attacking Lamine, is something that we haven’t quite seen yet in this World Cup. Not to the level that we’re used to,” said De la Fuente.

The prodigiously gifted Yamal has just one goal and no assists at the tournament so far, having arrived in the United States still recovering from a late-season injury.

But he has been a constant menace to opposing defenders attacking predominantly down Spain’s right flank.

Following Spain’s late 1-0 win over Portugal in the previous round, De la Fuente had praised Yamal’s performance as “one of his best performances” and “a very important day for his development.”

Asked at Thursday’s press conference to clarify those comments, De la Feunte suggested Yamal’s intense duel with Nuno Mendes had forced the Portugal full-back to leave the field in the 55th minute.

“We were facing a powerhouse of a rival, and the defender who was marking him ultimately had to do so much that he was injured,” said De la Fuente.

At still just 18 years of age, Yamal has gained a lesson in “maturity” from the challenges he has faced at this World Cup so far, his coach said.

“He doesn’t need extra motivation. You actually sometimes have to calm his intensity. He’s very motivated—he wants to do so much,” said De la Fuente.

Spain has yet to concede at this World Cup, but will be coming up against a Belgium side that fired four goals past the United States on Monday.

Could tomorrow’s quarter-final be the moment for Yamal to find the back of the net again?

“He’s going to perform on the attacking front—that’s very clear,” said the manager.

“He’s got incredible potential. And, of course, this is yet to come in some respects.” — AFP

LOS ANGELES, July 10 — Coach Rudi Garcia said “everyone” expects his Belgium team to be eliminated by Spain in tomorrow’s World Cup quarter-final, but backed his side to pull off a famous victory.

European champions Spain enter the match in Los Angeles as strong favorites, having not conceded a goal all tournament.

Belgium have had a more testing time of it, only narrowly topping their group after two draws with Egypt and Iran, and requiring a late comeback to dispatch Senegal.

But at a press conference Thursday, Garcia appeared to relish being dubbed the “underdog.”

“Everyone is already talking about us going home. But we think that we can do it,” said the coach.

“We think we can pull it off, and we’re going to do everything we can to get to the semis.”

Belgium did find their feet in Monday’s round-of-16 clash, thrashing the United States 4-1 to end the hopes of the World Cup co-hosts.

Garcia pointed out that Belgium are among the tournament’s top scorers, behind only France and Argentina with 13 goals. The Belgians’ 107 shots are second only to France, who have played a game more.

Asked if he was concerned a predominantly American crowd in Los Angeles could be hostile as a result of Belgium’s victory over the US, Garcia said it was the least of his concerns.

“We just beat the US, obviously, and again at a stadium where everyone was against us. So I don’t think the conditions will be any more difficult tomorrow,” said the coach.

He added: “It’s not the fans that score the goals. We’re going to focus on what we can do. We’ve got enough on our plate with the Spanish squad that is a wonderful footballing team.

“And even if we’re the underdog for tomorrow, we’re going to do everything we can to give them a run for their money.”

Belgium’s veteran striker Romelu Lukaku echoed his manager’s words, telling journalists that “if you manage to get this far, then you’re not going to play a game just to go home.”

“I think we also have the necessary talent. Tomorrow we need to play the perfect game,” said Lukaku. — AFP

MIAMI, July 10 — England’s quest to end 60 years of World Cup pain comes up against Norway’s scoring machine Erling Haaland in a Miami showdown for a place in the semi-finals tomorrow. 

After overcoming high altitude and a fervent home crowd in Mexico City to progress to the last eight in an all-time World Cup classic, an England side boasting the in-form Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are favourites to reach the semis in south Florida.

However, the Three Lions’ defensive deficiencies will be severely tested by Haaland, who put Brazil to the sword in the last 16 and has seven goals in his first four World Cup appearances.

Haaland, who was born in England and plays his club football for Manchester City, insisted there was no pressure on his side.

“I think there’s some clear favourites out there, England’s one of them,” he told reporters.

“I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads.”

In their first World Cup for 28 years, the nation of just over five million people have far exceeded expectations.

Even before setting off for the United States, a team photo of the squad dressed up as Vikings in front of longships went viral.

The theme has persisted with each victory celebrated by their fans performing a Viking row, from the stands of the United States to Times Square in New York, to the streets of Oslo.

Haaland was the man to beat the drum to conduct that row after his brilliant late double sent Brazil home. That made history as Norway reached the quarter-finals for the first time.

“Playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians and to win against Brazil and then go and play England in the quarter-finals in the World Cup in the USA is quite special,” added Haaland.

“I think if you watch the scenes back in Norway, this is not normal for Norway to be, so it’s super special.”

Quansah banned 

England are in their third consecutive quarter-final, but needed their own momentous moment to get there.

Thomas Tuchel’s men survived a second-half onslaught when down to 10 men in Mexico City for a 3-2 win that will go down as arguably England’s greatest World Cup win on foreign soil.

Although their long wait for major tournament glory persists, this generation of England players have come as close as any since 1966 to end that drought.

They have lost in the last two finals of the European Championship and also reached a semi-final and quarter-final in the last two World Cups.

“We’ve been here a few times,” said England winger Bukayo Saka. “But the best team on the day is going to be the team that wins, so we’re aware of that and that’s where our focus is.”

Bellingham and Kane have been as pivotal to England’s progress as Haaland for Norway.

The Real Madrid midfielder and Bayern Munich striker have combined for 10 of their side’s 11 goals so far.

England’s issues have been at the other end of the field and are exacerbated by a two-match ban handed to Jarell Quansah for his red card in the last 16.

Quansah has deputised out of position at right-back in the absence of Reece James, who remains a doubt for Saturday due to a hamstring injury.

Tuchel could be forced into a defensive reshuffle with Ezri Konsa moving to right-back and John Stones coming in at centre-back.

Another challenging factor for both sides will be the extreme heat and humidity forecast for Miami.

England have so far escaped energy-sapping conditions with three of their five matches played in the rain, while the other two were in air-conditioned stadiums in Atlanta and Dallas. — AFP

LOS ANGELES, July 10 — France coach Didier Deschamps paid tribute to forward Kylian Mbappe after he scored his eighth goal of the World Cup to fire Les Bleus into the semi-finals today with a 2-0 victory over Morocco.

Mbappe opened the scoring on the hour mark at the Gillette Stadium near Boston having earlier had a penalty saved. Ousmane Dembele then completed the job as France reached the last four of a World Cup for the third tournament in a row.

“When it’s Kylian, there’s no problem—he never doubts himself, even though he had another chance before scoring,” Deschamps told French broadcaster M6 after Mbappe netted his 20th World Cup goal in 20 appearances at the tournament.

Mbappe burst onto the global stage by starring in the side that won the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and then top-scored at the 2022 edition in Qatar with eight goals, including a hat-trick in the final—he now has two more games at this World Cup to overtake that tally.

Deschamps confirmed that Mbappe was substituted late in the second half because he had taken a knock to the ankle—the forward was seen applying ice on the sidelines.

“I am obviously really proud to be in a third straight semi-final,” Deschamps added in his post-game press conference.

He said his players “never doubted themselves” despite failing to convert a host of chances in the first half, including the penalty that Mbappe squandered.

“It seems logical and natural, but you still have to achieve it,” Deschamps said of reaching another semi-final.

“Obviously, I have great players, otherwise we wouldn’t get there, but it’s good. It was complicated because today, after missing the penalty, and with the chances (we had), we didn’t convert.”

France will face either Spain or Belgium in Dallas for a place in the World Cup final. That semi-final will take place next Tuesday, July 14 -- France’s national day.

Les Bleus defeated Belgium in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, and lost to eventual champions Spain in the last four at Euro 2024.

“Right now we are only in the semi-finals. We have another step to go and it will obviously be really difficult,” Deschamps said.

“We have taken an important step today and we are now guaranteed to have two more games, but I think you know which ones I want to play.”

The final will take place at the MetLife Stadium just outside New York City on July 19. The beaten semi-finalists, meanwhile, will contest the third-place play-off in Miami the previous day.

“The only date we have in our diaries for now is the 14th, even if the 14th of July is a nice date for France,” added Deschamps. — AFP

LOS ANGELES, July 10 — Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi promised that his team will bounce back from their World Cup quarter-final exit against France today and keep building as they prepare to co-host the next tournament in 2030.

The Atlas Lions were hoping to at least match their historic run to the semi-finals in Qatar in 2022, but once again their World Cup hopes were ended by Les Bleus.

The 2-0 defeat at the Gillette Stadium near Boston was a repeat of the scoreline when the sides met in the semis four years ago, and Morocco must now turn their attentions towards future challenges after a draining last seven months.

“France are a really great side. We were playing a country who have been to the last two World Cup finals, and they have rarely had as much talent as they do now,” acknowledged Ouahbi, after the last-eight contest was settled by second-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.

“We know we can compete, and what we want to do is work even harder to try to do even better next time.”

Ouahbi had said on the eve of the game that he would not consider going out in the quarter-finals as a success.

“I think it’s important to do everything to try to win and I think we did try everything,” he added on Thursday.

“We want to go even further and win the World Cup, so we are disappointed because we have lost, but we have to accept it.”

Ouahbi was appointed in March to succeed Walid Regragui, who departed following the team’s run to the Africa Cup of Nations final on home soil at the beginning of the year.

Morocco were favourites to win that competition, but lost 1-0 after extra time in a chaotic final against Senegal, marked by a walk-off protest by their opponents in response to a penalty given to the hosts.

Senegal were later stripped of their title as a punishment for that by the Confederation of African Football. Morocco were declared as the winners, but a Senegalese appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport is ongoing.

Hotbed of talent

Another Afcon comes around next year, in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, and that will be Morocco’s next objective—qualifying begins in September.

Ouahbi insisted the Afcon was the immediate priority, before focusing on the 2030 World Cup which Morocco will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.

“Before that we have an Afcon and if we want to do well we need to keep building, try to qualify for that and win it,” said the Belgian-born coach.

“We have a huge hotbed of talent and a strong federation, so we have everything you could need to keep improving and moving forward.”

The Morocco team against France featured a host of exciting young players, including French-born teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi—but beating such strong opposition proved beyond them.

“We have to acknowledge that they are such a good side. They could have scored earlier than they did, but we wanted to hold on a little longer and see how they were going to react,” said Ouahbi.

“We have a talented young team and we want to get better. This tournament will help us improve.

“These players have had an extraordinary year, with an Afcon in the middle, so it is not easy.

“We need to come back in September, pick ourselves up, and keep going.” — AFP

LOS ANGELES, July 10 — Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele were on target as France surged past Morocco 2-0 to book their place in the World Cup semi-finals today. 

Mbappe curled in his eighth goal of the tournament on 60 minutes before Dembele doubled Les Bleus’ lead six minutes later to settle a clinical victory at the Gillette Stadium outside Boston.

The win sends the 2018 champions into the semi-finals for the third straight World Cup, where they will face either Spain or Belgium in Arlington, Texas next Tuesday.

“I think that is three consecutive semi-finals, so that’s already a good thing. It seems logical and natural, but you still have to achieve it,” France coach Didier Deschamps said.

“Obviously, I have great players, otherwise we wouldn’t get there, but it’s good.”

Mbappe was substituted in the 77th minute and said: “I have a minor ankle injury, but it’s fine.”

African champions Morocco had been tipped to pose a serious threat to France’s hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final.

But Deschamps’ men were always in control against a limited Morocco side who failed to register a single shot on goal until an 83rd minute free-kick by Azzedine Ounahi was parried away by France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

France though struggled to find a breakthrough, and missed the opportunity to take the lead on 28 minutes when Mbappe saw a penalty saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Mbappe had won the penalty after being brought down by Noussair Mazraoui but was forced to wait several minutes before being allowed to take the kick after a protracted VAR check.

Morocco managed to hold out to half-time but it was always only a matter of time before France’s relentless pressure paid off.

The breakthrough came on the hour mark, with Mbappe bending a brilliant right-foot shot past Bounou from the edge of the area.

Paris Saint-Germain star Dembele made the game safe in the 66th minute, striding forward menacingly from midfield before steering a low finish into the bottom corner.

Deschamps said he had never doubted Mbappe’s confidence in front of goal despite the penalty miss.

“When it’s Kylian, there’s no problem—he never doubts himself,” Deschamps said.

“It’s great; we’re where we wanted to be, so we’ll recover well and then we’ll see who our opponent is tomorrow,” Deschamps added, referring to Friday’s meeting between Spain and Belgium in Los Angeles.

Referee chief hits back 

Spain, who have not conceded a single goal so far, eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the last 16 and will fancy their chances of overcoming Belgium, who thrashed United States 4-1 to reach the last eight.

On the other side of the draw, holders Argentina face Switzerland in Kansas City on Saturday after staggering into the quarter-finals.

The South Americans, aiming to become the first back-to-back champions since Brazil in 1962, advanced to the quarter-finals after an incredible escape against Egypt in the previous round, recovering from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2.

The victory saw a string of refereeing decisions go in Argentina’s favour, prompting claims from Egypt coach Hossam Hassan that World Cup referees were unfairly favouring the South Americans due to “external” pressure.

Those claims were shot down by FIFA referees chief Pierluigi Collina on Thursday.

“Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials,” Collina said.

“Nobody can claim that FIFA Refereeing can be influenced by anyone...”

The winner of the Argentina-Switzerland clash will take on either Norway or England, who clash in Miami on Saturday.

England’s defence faces the unenviable task of having to contain Norway’s irrepressible striker Erling Haaland, who has been in blistering form on his team’s run to the last eight.

A relaxed Haaland said Thursday the pressure would be on England when the teams meet at the Hard Rock Stadium.

“I think there’s some clear favourites out there, England’s one of them,” Haaland told reporters.

“I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads.” — AFP

FOXBOROUGH (United States), July 9 — Morocco star Ismael Saibari will miss his team’s World Cup quarter-final showdown with France, coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed on Wednesday.

“Everyone is 100 per cent fit except Saibari. This game comes too soon for him but I hope he is not out for the rest of the competition,” Ouahbi told reporters ahead of Thursday’s last-eight showdown at the Gillette Stadium near Boston.

Saibari, who has just joined Bayern Munich from Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven on a five-year deal for a reported fee of 50 million euros (RM233 million), has been one of the standout players at the World Cup.

He scored in each of his team’s three group games and converted the winning penalty in the shoot-out as Morocco beat the Netherlands in the last 32.

However, the attacking midfielder came off early on with a hamstring problem in the 3-0 win against Canada in the last 16 last Saturday, and has not recovered.

Soufiane Rahimi, who is an out-and-out striker, came on for Saibari in that game and scored Morocco’s third goal.

The Atlas Lions are seeking to avenge their 2-0 defeat against France in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

That was the first time any African or Arab team had made it to the last four of the tournament, and the incentive for them this time is to match that run.

Ouahbi dismissed suggestions that his team can say they have already had a successful tournament by getting to the quarter-finals.

“We absolutely want to win the game tomorrow, so we will not listen to people who say it doesn’t matter if we go out now,” said the coach, who took over from predecessor Walid Regragui in March.

“Tomorrow we will try get to the semi-finals. I don’t like this sentiment that we have already done well and anything else is a bonus,” added Ouabi, who said he watched the 2022 meeting of the sides as a fan, on television.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz insisted his side can compete with the much-fancied French as he prepares to come up against Kylian Mbappe, his colleague at club level.

“Tomorrow we are playing one of the favourites but we have shown we can compete and that is why we are here. I have full faith and full confidence in the team.” — AFP

PARIS, July 9 — Paris Saint-Germain’s South Korea attacker Lee Kang-In is set to join Atletico Madrid in a deal worth almost 40 million euros (RM186 million), a source told AFP on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old joined the French club in 2023 from Mallorca and won the Champions League twice and Ligue 1 three times during his spell at Parc des Princes.

The source added there were “minor details to finalise” between the two clubs with two years remaining of Lee’s contract.

He scored 16 goals in 124 appearances for PSG but had his gametime limited under Luis Enrique and suffered a thigh injury in January which limited his involvement.

Lee made the last of his 50 international appearances during the World Cup as South Korea were knocked out in the group stage.

PSG have already sold fellow attacker Goncalo Ramos to AC Milan and sources have told AFP the two-time European champions are holding talks with Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche and RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande. — AFP

PAU (France), July 9 — Dutch debutant Olav Kooij won the fifth stage of the Tour de France on Wednesday in a chaotic sprint finish sparked by a crash five kilometres from the line which scuppered several teams’ hopes.

The 24-year-old beat German Max Kanter into second with Belgian Tim Merlier coming home in third as Norway’s Torstein Traeen kept the race leader’s yellow jersey despite being brought down in the crash.

“I had to wait until this day to get this first chance to sprint in the Tour and to win it is unbelievable,” said Kooij.

With the sprinters primed for action on this flat fifth stage billed as a likely bunch finish, there was understandably some extra tension in the peloton in the run-in.

Several riders went down in the spill with just over 5km to ride, with Dutchman Alex Molenaar seemingly the worst affected.

However, dozens of riders were slowed up by the crash and found themselves desperately trying to chase down a reduced peloton charging towards the finish line at Pau on another sweltering day in the southwest of France.

Sprinters such as Jasper Philipsen lost key lead-out team-mates like Mathieu van der Poel and it led to a disorganised run to the finish line with no teams able to tee up their fast men as they would have wanted to.

Co-captain of the Decathlon team alongside Paul Seixas, Kooij emerged from the chaos with an irresistible surge to the line to accomplish his pre-tour aim to “win at least one sprint stage”.

“It was quite an easy day until the final, so then you know it will be hectic in this first sprint of the Tour,” said Kooij.

“Everyone is still really eager and I just managed to find my way.

“I did it on my own in the end and I found the right wheel and I just wanted to have a chance to sprint today.

“When I saw the line I just went as hard as I could.”

The Dutchman had never ridden at the Tour before as his previous team, Visma-Lease a Bike, did not bring a sprinter to the race as they concentrated solely on their overall contender Jonas Vingegaard.

And he got off to a poor start with new team Decathlon CMA CGM as he battled a long illness at the beginning of the year.

Lone breakaway

Traeen managed to finish in a group 14 seconds behind the winner, alongside reigning champion Tadej Pogacar and other overall contenders such as Vingegaard, Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel and French teenage sensation Seixas.

He was helped by Dane Vingegaard’s Visma team motoring on after the crash to try to ensure their team leader, who is a two-time Tour winner, did not lose any vital seconds to his main rivals.

The Norwegian still leads the Tour by 28sec from American Sean Quinn, with Czech Mathias Vacek third at 3min 50sec.

“To be honest, I don’t know that much, suddenly I was on the ground,” said Traeen about his crash.

“I went to a corner and then I was there (on the ground), and then luckily I had the Visma train coming past and brought us back to the group.”

He said he had “a small wound on my knee but nothing really serious”.

It was a fairly typical sprint stage until the finale, with a doomed breakaway easily chased down before the business end.

Baptiste Veistroffer said before the stage began that he was determined to get away in a break and sure enough, he was true to his word.

From the chequered flag, he shot off down the road, but perhaps to his surprise, no one else joined him.

It meant that the Frenchman spent 144 kilometres out alone at the front of the race before the sprinters’ teams reeled him in with 14km left to ride.

“I enjoyed it a huge amount, I was smiling the whole day,” said Veistroffer.

“The encouragement, the fans on the Tour are something that you really have to honour.”

After that it was over to the sprinters’ teams, but they were unable to control the run-in. — AFP

LONDON, July 9 — British wildcard Arthur Fery extended his sensational Wimbledon run into a semi-final against French Open champion Alexander Zverev, after Marta Kostyuk set up a women’s last-four clash with Linda Noskova on Wednesday.

Fery, the world number 114, dismantled Roland Garros runner-up Flavio Cobolli 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-0 to become the first Wimbledon wildcard to reach the men’s last four since Goran Ivanisevic won the 2001 title.

Incredibly, Fery is just two victories away from emulating Ivanisevic and becoming the first British man to win Wimbledon since Andy Murray in 2016.

“It gets better and better every match. It’s incredible. I just can’t believe it,” Fery said to his adoring new fans, who created a partisan atmosphere on Centre Court.

He is the third-lowest ranked man since 1985 to reach the Wimbledon semis, after world number 237 Vladimir Voltchkov in 2000 and world number 125 Ivanisevic in 2001.

Fery, who turns 24 on Sunday, said he was congratulated after the match by Britain’s Queen Camilla, who was watching his exploits from the Royal Box.

“I told her it was my birthday on Sunday, so it would be great to play the Wimbledon final on my birthday,” he said.

Zverev romped to a 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 victory over sixth seed Taylor Fritz, making his first semi-final at the All England Club by snapping a seven-match losing streak against the American.

The German second seed had never got past the Wimbledon last 16 in nine previous trips to south-west London.

“I’m extremely happy to be in the semi-finals, especially against Taylor who I hadn’t beaten in two years,” he said.

Zverev is only the third German man in the Open era to make the last four at all the Grand Slam tournaments, after Boris Becker and Michael Stich—Germany’s last men’s Wimbledon winner in 1991.

“It’s a dream come true to finally play well at Wimbledon, I’ve waited a long time for it,” he added.

The 29-year-old Zverev will be a huge favourite against Fery on Friday, with reigning champion and world number one Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic awaiting in the final.

“I’m very happy to play him in the semi-finals, it’s going to be a great atmosphere,” said Zverev of facing Fery.

Kostyuk into second straight Slam semi-final 

Ukraine’s Kostyuk raced to a 6-3, 6-2 victory over former Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini in 69 minutes on Centre Court.

She meets Czech ninth seed Noskova on Thursday for a place in her first major final.

“I was on this court as a spectator once nine years ago watching Roger (Federer) and to be back here as a player is amazing,” said the 24-year-old after her first appearance on the showpiece court at the All England Club.

“I walked past the ‘wall of honour’, stood beside it and took a moment.”

The 12th seed has only lost one of her last 22 matches—a semi-final defeat by eventual champion Mirra Andreeva at the French Open last month.

The in-form Noskova was the highest seed left in the bottom half of the draw after shock early exits for Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina.

The 21-year-old lived up to that billing with a 6-3, 7-5 win over experienced Belgian 25th seed Elise Mertens on Court One.

Mertens battled hard in her first Grand Slam quarter-final since 2020, but could not deal with Noskova’s power.

The Czech has enjoyed an excellent grass-court campaign, reaching her first Slam semi-final after also winning her second WTA title in Berlin.

Kostyuk won her only previous meeting with Noskova, a straight-sets success in the quarter-finals en route to the Madrid Open title earlier this year.

“A tough one, it’s never going to be easy,” said Noskova. “Marta, she’s an incredible player.”

Two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff or Czech 10th seed Karolina Muchova will await the winner in Saturday’s final. — AFP

MIAMI, July 8 — Fifa president Gianni Infantino is staring down fresh trouble after rights group FairSquare said it will haul him before the International Olympic Committee (IOC), accusing him of trampling political neutrality rules by cheerleading for United States president Donald Trump.

According to Reuters, FairSquare said it intends to lodge a complaint with the IOC over Infantino’s “repeated breach of political neutrality rules,” escalating a row that has already seen Fifa’s own ethics machinery dragged in.

Infantino, who has held IOC membership since 2020, now faces scrutiny beyond football’s corridors.

“It also requests that the Ethics Committee investigate Mr Infantino’s role in the decision to introduce a Fifa Peace Prize, the decision to award it to President Trump... and the conformity of these processes with Fifa’s procedural rules,” FairSquare said.

The group argues Infantino’s conduct violates Article 15 of the Fifa Code of Ethics, which demands political neutrality from officials. Breaches can mean fines of at least 10,000 Swiss francs (RM56,000) and bans of up to two years from football‑related activity.

IOC president Kirsty Coventry said on Tuesday no complaint had yet been received but added: “Obviously, if they do, they would look into it.”

Fifa’s Secretariat of the Investigatory Chamber acknowledged receiving FairSquare’s complaint in December but has given “no indication” that an investigation has begun, according to the group.

FairSquare last week said 50 Members of the European Parliament had thrown their weight behind its complaint to Fifa’s Ethics Committee. The Norwegian Football Federation also joined in.

At the World Cup, controversy deepened when Fifa overturned American striker Folarin Balogun’s red‑card ban, clearing him to play against Belgium after Trump personally pressed Infantino to intervene. The United States lost the last‑16 tie 4‑1. Infantino, however, denied any role in the final decision, Reuters reported.

LOS ANGELES, July 9 — France begin their final push for a third World Cup crown on Thursday when they take on Morocco in a blockbuster showdown to kick off a star-studded quarter-final line-up.

After a month of scintillating action that has dispelled anxieties over sky-high ticket prices and geopolitics, the biggest, boldest and most logistically complex World Cup ever staged has been whittled down to eight teams.

France have emerged as the outstanding side after a series of dazzling attacking displays in the United States, where all the remaining matches will be played.

But they face their toughest test so far against African champions Morocco at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, outside Boston.

Les Bleus have surged into the last eight in style, scoring 14 goals in five games — seven of them from prolific captain Kylian Mbappe — one of four star forwards battling for the Golden Boot.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi tops the scoring chart with eight, Mbappe and Norway’s Erling Haaland have seven each and England’s Harry Kane has six.

Thursday’s opening quarter-final is a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final in Qatar, won by France, who went on to lose an all-time classic final against Argentina on penalties.

Impressive Morocco eased through the group phase before battling past the Netherlands in the last 32 and swatting aside co-hosts Canada.

The Atlas Lions boast a potent mix of technical quality, physicality and tactical nous under the guidance of coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who masterminded Morocco’s shock victory in the under-20 World Cup last year.

France coach Didier Deschamps told reporters on Wednesday — a World Cup rest day — that Morocco were a “top-tier side”.

“We faced them four years ago in the semi-finals, and they’ve played in an Africa Cup of Nations final,” he said.

“They are a very, very good team with excellent players — they aren’t here by accident. It’s going to be a clash between two teams that like to have possession, attack, and score goals.”

Deschamps, stepping down after the tournament after 14 years in charge, said he was unconcerned by the appointment of Argentine officials to oversee the match, with a repeat of the 2022 final still possible.

The winner will advance to a semi-final against the victor of Friday’s tie in Los Angeles between European champions Spain and Belgium.

The clinical Spaniards, who have not conceded a single goal so far, eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the last 16 and will fancy their chances of overcoming Belgium, who dismantled the United States 4-1 in the last 16.

Houdini act

On the other side of the draw, holders Argentina face Switzerland in Kansas City on Saturday after staggering into the quarter-finals.

The South Americans, aiming to become the first back-to-back champions since Brazil in 1962, were given an almighty scare by Cape Verde in the last 32.

On Tuesday, Messi inspired an incredible Houdini act in a jaw-dropping 3-2 defeat of Egypt in Atlanta, when the reigning champions were seemingly down and out, trailing by two goals late in the game.

Messi, who missed a penalty in the first half, said: “We didn’t want today to be the end, we didn’t want to go home.”

The winner of the Argentina-Switzerland clash will face either Norway or England, who clash in Miami on Saturday.

England advanced with a pulsating 3-2 defeat of co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca that has given the Three Lions renewed belief in their bid to win a first major title since 1966.

Blocking England’s path is a formidable Norway side spearheaded by the irrepressible Haaland, who scored both goals in Sunday’s last-16 win over Brazil.

Off the field, the Egyptian football federation said it had asked for the officiating team that handled the Pharaohs’ defeat to Argentina to be thrown out of the World Cup.

The federation filed a complaint to Fifa pointing out “serious refereeing mistakes committed by the team of referees and double standards, which caused the Egypt team to lose the match”.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic announced his resignation after nine years in charge, which included a run to the final in 2018. — AFP

NEW YORK, July 9 — The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams has offered more of a chance to continents that were previously underrepresented at the tournament, but a glance at the quarter-final line-up tells a familiar tale.

Six of the countries in the last eight are European, with the exceptions being Lionel Messi’s Argentina, the reigning champions, and Morocco.

With France, Spain, Belgium, England, Norway and Switzerland still in contention, there could be an all-European semi-final line-up, like in 2018.

Europe’s share of the spots at a World Cup has decreased dramatically in recent decades, from boasting 14 of 24 berths in Italy in 1990, to 16 out of 48 now.

The rest of the world has therefore seen its share of the places shoot up, with Africa having 10 teams this year compared to just five in Qatar in 2022.

But now that we are down to the business end, Europe is dominating — in fact, six teams in the quarter-finals is an increase on four years ago, when five European sides remained at this stage.

The 2002 World Cup remains an outlier, when only four European teams made the quarter-finals.

In football, Europe is where the wealth is concentrated, with the vast majority of the world’s top talent playing in the continent’s biggest leagues.

Western European academies see the best coaches produce the most talented youngsters, and many countries elsewhere have benefited from this.

Morocco, the only remaining African side after becoming the continent’s first ever World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, have become a leading force thanks to a two-pronged approach.

Several members of their squad, including playmaker Azzedine Ounahi are products of the Mohammed VI Academy, a state-of-the-art facility outside the capital Rabat.

But most of their players were born in western Europe and came through academy systems there — captain Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz from Spain, Noussair Mazraoui in the Netherlands, Ayyoub Bouaddi in France, for example.

In the 1-1 draw with Brazil in their tournament opener they became the first side in World Cup history to at one point field a full foreign-born 11.

Morocco now have the chance to at least match their historic run to the semis in 2022.

“Morocco are evolving all the time, as are France,” coach Mohamed Ouahbi said ahead of Thursday’s clash between the nations.

“These two teams are even better than they were four years ago and that was to be expected given the great work being done by both federations.”

Brazil’s curse

Nearly a quarter of all players selected for this World Cup represented a country other than their birthplace — frequently those players were born in Europe but chose to wear the colours of a nation from elsewhere.

Argentina are different. Most of their players were born there, but many were picked up early by European clubs — Messi is the ultimate example, having been barely a teenager when he joined Barcelona.

Most of Brazil’s players are based in Europe too, but this is the first World Cup in which they have failed to make the quarter-finals since 1990.

That is despite appointing a European coach, in Carlo Ancelotti. The thought-process was essentially, if you can’t beat them, join them.

However, Brazil’s defeat to Norway in the last 16 maintained their record of having lost every time they have come up against European opposition in a World Cup knockout tie since they last won the trophy in 2002.

Meanwhile, this World Cup appeared to represent the perfect opportunity for the United States to reach at least the quarter-finals — as they did once before, in 2002. Their tournament ended in a 4-1 humbling by Belgium.

Asia, meanwhile, had a record nine representatives, but only Australia and Japan got beyond the group stage.

Colombia had high hopes but were defeated on penalties by Switzerland, another small Western European nation with an oversized wealth of talent.

They are through to their first quarter-final since 1954, and their established record of playing and competing against Europe’s top sides helps them believe they can give Argentina a game.

“This is a unique opportunity for us. We have seen that Argentina are not unbeatable,” said Switzerland coach Murat Yakin. — AFP

ATLANTA, July 8 — The Egyptian football federation said Wednesday it had asked for the officiating team who handled the Pharoahs loss 3-2 last-16 to Argentina to be thrown out of the World Cup.

“Hany Aburida, President of the Egyptian Football Federation, filed a complaint with Fifa, demanding an investigation into the French referee Francois Letexier... after the serious refereeing mistakes committed by the team of referees and double standards, which caused the Egypt team to lose the match and leave the World Cup,” said a statement from the federation.

On Tuesday evening, Letexes ruled out a Mostafa Ziko goal ruled out when they were leading 1-0 after VAR intervened to spot a foul on Lisandro Martinez much earlier in the move.

A few minutes later, Ziko did put Egyptian 2-0 up and on the brink of a place in the last eight for the first time but there was further controversy in added time, after Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi had brought the champions level.

In the build-up to Argentina’s winner scored by Enzo Fernandez, Egypt believe they should have instead been awarded a penalty for a pull by Alexis Mac Allister on Hamdy Fathy.

“Aburida demanded the investigation of the entire team of referees, including the video technology referees, because of the blatant errors and insisting on not reviewing some of the footage that we believe are in favour of the Egyptian national team, and we see in it the Pharaohs’ right to a correct goal and a penalty,” said the Egyptian statement.

It added that the president had also “demanded the exclusion of the referee and the entire crew from the World Cup after investigating these mistakes and proving the crime of discrimination against the Egyptian national team”.

The statement echoed remarks by Egypt coach Hossam Hassan immediately after the game.

“I do not want to put it nicely and talk about hard luck. We have been cheated unfairly today, we have suffered injustice,” Hassan told journalists.

“We haven’t seen respect or fair play. There has not been respect or fair play.”

Hassan told BeIN: “Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champions in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running.

“In football, there are sometimes external factors that go beyond the technical aspects. The world champions received support at every level.” — AFP

LONDON, July 8 — The combined pre-tax losses of Premier League clubs climbed over 600 per cent in the space of one year, according to a new report by leading accountancy firm Deloitte.

Their annual review of football finance found losses among English top-flight sides rose from £135 million (RM735.2 million) in the 2023/24 season to £948 million in 2024-25.

Deloitte attributed the rise to transfer spending and the absence of significant profits from one-off sales. Net debt of Premier League clubs was up to £3.6 billion in 2024/25, compared to £3.5 billion the season before, Deloitte found.

Meanwhile. the combined pre-tax losses of clubs in English football’s second-tier Championship rose 12 per cent to £355 million, with only three teams reporting a pre-tax profit in 2024/25, Deloitte found.

Tim Bridge, the lead partner in the Deloitte Sports Business Group, said: “The cumulative financial position and worsening club losses across all three English Football League divisions (the three tiers below the Premier League) underline a continuing trend; one where external funding is now critical to liquidity in the vast majority of cases.”

Talks over a new agreement to created a more equitable split of television revenue between the Premier League and the EFL have foundered since 2024, although the recently-established Independent Football Regulator has the power to impose a settlement if a deal cannot be agreed.

Meanwhile, Deloitte found the European football market grew six per cent overall to €40.2 billion (RM187.1 billion) in 2024/25 — the first season featuring UEFA’s newly-expanded men’s club competitions.

But Bridge insisted adding yet more fixtures to an already congested calendar was unlikely to yield greater financial rewards.

“The expansion of Uefa and Fifa competitions has delivered financial benefits across Europe’s ‘big five’ leagues, but football cannot rely on simply adding more content to deliver sustainable growth,” he said. — AFP

LONDON, July 8 —  Novak Djokovic admitted even he was surprised by his ability to out-last Felix Auger-Aliassime in a five-set epic that ranked as the longest quarter-final in Wimbledon history.

Djokovic is 14 years older than Auger-Aliassime and had to battle a calf injury throughout a Centre Court classic lasting five hours and 15 minutes in sweltering temperatures.

The 39-year-old Serb somehow summoned up the energy, focus and will-power to beat the Canadian third seed 7-6 (12/10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (10/4), booking a blockbuster semi-final against defending champion Jannik Sinner.

Djokovic appeared out on his feet at times in the final set, which was only settled in a nerve-shredding tie-break that finished just minutes before the 2200 GMT curfew that would have halted play for the night.

Refusing to accept defeat, the indefatigable Djokovic delivered one of the most tenacious performances of a glittering career that has brought him a record-equalling 24 Grand Slam titles.

Djokovic has often tested the limits of his endurance with marathon victories in the past, but he conceded this was an extra special effort at an age when most of his contemporaries have retired.

“I guess yes, at this stage that I’m still able to battle these young guys that have 15 years less than me, that I’m able to beat them at the tightest possible scoreline. Of course, in a sense, it is really a nice surprise,” he said.

“I try to also enjoy the moments like this. I think it was a really thrilling experience for us players, but also the crowd. I’m sure also a lot of people watching on TV. Glad to be part of another historic match.”

Djokovic rated his astonishing victory alongside his 2019 Wimbledon final against Roger Federer, which the Serb won in five sets over four hours and 57 minutes, as among the best of his career.

“It’s exciting to be part of such an epic match that was played over five hours, whatever it was,” he said.

“Just one of the best matches I was honestly part of in Wimbledon. Maybe the Wimbledon final in 2019 comes close in terms of time.

“The crowd was up on their feet, particularly the last 30 minutes. They recognised how special the moment was. Just very proud to come out as a winner.”

‘As good as a final’ 

Djokovic had spoken earlier in the tournament about his use of cutting edge technology to keep his body in condition to compete against younger opponents.

He has used hyperbaric and cryo chambers, cold immersions and red light and pulse therapies to stop father time ruining his bid for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title.

The treatments have clearly done their job as Djokovic is the oldest man to reach a Wimbledon semi-final since Ken Rosewall in 1974.

He has advanced to a 15th Wimbledon semi-final and 55th at the Grand Slams.

Djokovic is into the Wimbledon last four for an eighth consecutive time, setting a new record for the longest streak of men’s semi-final appearances at the All England Club.

But the only question that matters for Djokovic now is whether he can recover in time to beat Sinner.

“I don’t know what tomorrow brings. To be honest, let’s see. I’m still in the tournament,” he said.

“I still want to go at least one more step further. But this was as good as a final for me. I gave it all that I had.”

Djokovic, who last won Wimbledon in 2022, beat Sinner in five sets in the Australian Open semi-finals in January, but was thrashed by the Italian in the last four at Wimbledon 12 months ago.

“Now I have Sinner. Another great, historic run for me at the Grand Slams. This is what counts the most, honestly,” Djokovic said.

“I still try to prove to myself and others that I’m able to compete with the best players in the world and beat them in the biggest stage.” — AFP

LOS ANGELES, July 8 — Lionel Messi led a stunning late fightback as Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals today, the reigning champions recovering from a two-goal deficit to escape a monumental upset.

Egypt looked poised to score a famous victory at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium after goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico left them 2-0 up with just 11 minutes of normal time remaining.

But Cristian Romero’s 79th-minute header from a pinpoint Messi cross gave the defending champions a lifeline at 2-1.

Four minutes later, Messi volleyed in a superb equaliser — his eighth goal of the tournament — to make it 2-2 and spark wild celebrations among the huge contingent of Argentina fans in the 68,239 crowd.

With extra-time looming, Enzo Fernandez nodded in a sensational winner in the second minute of time added on to finally break Egypt’s resistance.

“Being able to experience moments like this, honestly, I thank God, I’m privileged,” Fernandez said afterwards.

“I want to highlight my team-mates — we have a phenomenal group, a group that never gives up no matter the difficulties and adversity. We’re always together,” the Chelsea midfielder added.

Fernandez’s goal capped what had been an epic contest, which saw Messi miss a first-half penalty for the second time this tournament, and Egypt have a second-half goal ruled out in a controversial VAR decision.

Furious Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan said his team had been “cheated” by the decisions that went against them.

“I do not want to put it nicely and talk about hard luck. We have been cheated unfairly today, we have suffered injustice,” said Hassan.

“We haven’t seen respect or fair play. There has not been respect or fair play.”

The win was another nailbiting close shave for Argentina, who had been taken to the wire by Cape Verde in an extra-time thriller in the last 32 on Friday.

Colombia, Swiss eye quarters 

Argentina will now face the winner of yesday’s clash in Vancouver between Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals.

Colombia, supported by hordes of passionate yellow-clad fans, have been tipped as dark horses for the tournament.

Nestor Lorenzo’s men have conceded just one goal so far and boast the attacking prowess of Luis Diaz and 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez.

Switzerland have not reached the quarter-finals since 1954, when they hosted the tournament, but impressed in a 2-0 win against Algeria in the last 32.

Argentina are the latest team into the quarter-finals after Spain and Belgium booked their tickets to the last eight on Monday.

Spain ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dream by beating Portugal 1-0 while Belgium crushed the United States 4-1.

Defeat for Mauricio Pochettino’s men means none of the host nations remain in the 2026 tournament following the earlier exits of Canada and Mexico.

The build-up to the game in Seattle was overshadowed by controversy after forward Folarin Balogun was cleared to play despite being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina last week.

It emerged that the bombshell ruling followed a personal call by President Donald Trump to Fifa chief Gianni Infantino urging him to review Balogun’s punishment.

Belgium’s jubilant players celebrated Monday’s win by trolling Tump — mimicking the US leader’s signature dance to “YMCA” in their locker-room following Monday’s win, accoding to video footage shared widely on social media.

The United States Soccer Federation meanwhile indicated that US coach Pochettino might stay on as the team’s boss, saying in a statement on Tuesday that discussions with the Argentine were ongoing.

“We had positive conversations with Mauricio before the World Cup about the future,” US Soccer said in a statement. “We agreed we would continue those conversations following a chance to rest and reflect post World Cup. — AFP

VANCOUVER, July 8 — Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw yesterday to set up a World Cup quarter-final with defending champions Argentina.

The two teams cancelled each other out in the final game of the last 16 — the game in Vancouver was also the last at the 2026 tournament to be played outside the United States.

Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez hit the bar in a nerve-wracking shootout but Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji ballooned his effort over, meaning it was all square again.

Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel then regained the initiative for his team, brilliantly saving Cucho Hernandez’s effort.

After two more successful kicks, Ruben Vargas stepped up to take the decisive penalty and made no mistake.

It is the first time Switzerland have reached the last eight of the World Cup since they hosted the tournament in 1954.

Victorious captain Granit Xhaka said the current generation of players was a “special one”.

“We, the more experienced players, are being pushed by the younger ones, and at the same time we have to lead by example every single day and every single game,” Xhaka told Swiss broadcaster SRF.

“Of course, we try to pass on our experience, but above all the mentality that, even as a small nation, anything is possible at this level, in elite football.

“From the coaching staff to the last player, we can all be proud of what we’ve achieved.”

Tight match 

Colombia, once again backed by thousands of passionate fans, had conceded just once in their four games before yesterday’s match and the Swiss had also proved difficult to break down.

The first action of note came in the 21st minute when Kobel was forced into a flying save to keep out Gustavo Puerta’s curling effort from the edge of the penalty area.

Murat Yakin’s Switzerland stepped up a gear immediately after the first hydration break, with Camilo Vargas beating away a shot from Fabian Rieder before denying Dan Ndoye.

But the match was goalless at half-time, with two well-matched teams struggling for inspiration.

The Swiss started the second half on the front foot but Colombia also had their moments, with Luis Suarez lashing wastefully wide.

Both coaches made multiple changes in the second half but again struggled to create meaningful openings, with Colombia’s star winger Luis Diaz kept quiet.

Ndoye flashed a shot across goal in stoppage time but nobody was able to get on the end of it and the match was 0-0 at the end of normal time.

The game belatedly burst into life in the first period of extra time.

Colombia defender Jhon Lucumi headed against the bar from a corner and Kobel kept out a fierce effort from Jaminton Campaz as the South Americans upped the tempo.

At the other end, Vargas dived to his left to beat away an effort from substitute Zeki Amdouni.

Campaz missed a glorious chance to win the game with five minutes left.

With nothing to separate the teams, the game went to penalties and the European team kept their nerve.

“I think this national team was destined for better things,” Colombia forward Suarez told DSports.

“Let’s hope this is a major turning point, because what this team showed at this World Cup has to be viewed in a positive light,” he added.

Switzerland will face Argentina in Kansas City on Saturday after Lionel Messi’s team earlier beat Egypt 3-2 in a wild game in Atlanta. — AFP

KANSAS CITY, July 7 — Lionel Messi’s Argentina face Egypt for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday as the maestro looks to reclaim the lead in a fiercely contested Golden Boot race.

The defending champions meet the African nation, spearheaded by Mohamed Salah, in Atlanta for the right to play Switzerland or Colombia in the semi-finals.

Argentina survived a huge scare from World Cup first-timers Cape Verde in the last 32, edging through courtesy of Diney Borges’ own goal in energy-sapping extra time.

They will hope to resume normal service against Egypt, who have never been beyond the round of 16 on football’s biggest stage.

“We are on the alert just like we were before the match against Cape Verde,” said Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni. “Egypt is also a good rival.

“It’s a very good team. They have important players and a coach that has been working with them for a while now. They play good football and always make it difficult for their rivals.

“Salah is a great player – it will be a pleasure to face him. Our team knows how to face these great players and we always work hard for it.”

Scaloni confirmed Messi, 39, is fit to start despite playing the full 120 minutes last week against Cape Verde.

Messi, France star Kylian Mbappe and Norway’s Erling Haaland all have seven goals in the race for the Golden Boot, with the Frenchman leading the way due to his two assists.

Messi and Mbappe are also locked in a battle for the title of leading goalscorer in World Cup history, with the Argentine just one goal ahead, on 20.

The South Americans know they will need to up their game against unbeaten Egypt, who eliminated Australia on penalties in the last 32.

Salah, currently without a club after leaving Liverpool, has scored just once in four matches so far.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said he had been preparing his players “regardless of the colour of the opponent’s shirt, or what name they have, and what ranking they have”.

“This is a World Cup, a great opportunity to prove ourselves and that we belong here,” he said.

Dangerous Diaz

Switzerland and Colombia meet in Vancouver in another clash between two unbeaten teams.

The South Americans, supported by hordes of passionate yellow-clad fans, have been tipped as dark horses for the tournament.

Nestor Lorenzo’s men have conceded just one goal so far and boast the attacking prowess of Luis Diaz and 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez.

Switzerland have not reached the quarter-finals since 1954, when they hosted the tournament, but impressed in a 2-0 win against Algeria in the last 32.

All four teams will be vying to join the heavyweight line-up for the last eight so far – France, Morocco, Norway, England, Spain and Belgium.

Spain ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dream on Monday, beating Portugal 1-0 while Belgium crushed the United States 4-1.

Defeat for Mauricio Pochettino’s men means none of the host nations remain in the 2026 tournament following the earlier exits of Canada and Mexico.

The build-up to the game in Seattle was overshadowed by controversy after forward Folarin Balogun was cleared to play despite being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina last week.

It emerged that the bombshell ruling followed a personal call by President Donald Trump to Fifa chief Gianni Infantino urging him to review Balogun’s punishment. — AFP

SEATTLE, July 7 — Belgium dumped the United States out of their own World Cup yesterday, as Charles De Ketelaere’s brace secured a 4-1 win that was eclipsed by the bitter row over Folarin Balogun’s ban.

Victory means the Belgians face Spain in the quarter-finals, while the US follow co-hosts Canada and Mexico out of the tournament with elimination in the round of 16 after a thoroughly flat performance.

All attention pre-game had been on Balogun’s place in the US starting lineup, after US President Donald Trump asked Fifa to review the striker’s one-game suspension for a red card, and the governing body controversially obliged.

But Belgium’s XI had a few surprises of its own, with Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku among the heavyweights benched. And coach Rudi Garcia’s gambit proved inspired, with De Ketelaere grabbing an early goal to puncture the feelgood vibes in Seattle.

Malik Tillman grabbed one back from a free kick, but De Ketelaere swiftly restored Belgium’s lead. A catastrophic piece of goalkeeping by Matt Freese and a late Romelu Lukaku goal left the Americans dead and buried.

FIFA’s move to suspend Balogun’s ban after he was sent off in the previous round against Bosnia and Herzegovina has been slammed by football fans, pundits and players around the world, but there were no such misgivings among the Seattle crowd.

A colossal roar greeted the stadium announcement of Balogun’s name in the starting XI, vastly dwarfing the cheers even for US talisman Christian Pulisic.

The “USA” thunderclap then echoed around the stadium, utterly drowning out a small corner of chanting Belgium fans in the opening minutes.

But the American party was swiftly silenced. The majority of 67,000 fans fell silent in the ninth minute as De Ketelaere scored, easily tapping home from close range after Nicolas Raskin’s cross evaded some lax defending.

It was the first time the Americans had conceded the opener all World Cup. With the atmosphere deflated, no immediate fightback was visible on the pitch either. The midfield was outgunned and the defense looked nervous.

On the half-hour mark, Balogun drew a foul on the edge of the area and whipped the crowd back to life. He waved his arms frantically as Malik Tillman — fresh from scoring a free kick against Bosnia — lined up the ball.

Tillman’s shot deflected off the Belgian wall and span into the net, and the stadium shook.

Dream over 

But the joy was again short-lived. In the 33rd minute, De Ketelaere leapt up to meet Leandro Trossard’s cross and comfortably out-jumped an off-balance Tim Ream to score his second.

The US inched back into the game as the first half closed out, with Balogun blasting over from a long Tillman throw, then narrowly failing to catch a long ball, again from the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder.

US coach Mauricio Pochettino switched formation at half-time, sending Gio Reyna into the number 10 role and pushing Weston McKennie out to the right. The Americans resumed play with more intensity, pushing higher up the pitch.

But self-inflicted disaster struck in the 57th minute. Freese came out to collect a Belgium long ball, turned to evade the charging De Ketelaere, but then hesitated with his pass.

De Ketelaere jabbed the ball to Hans Vanaken, who made no mistake with an open goal from long range.

Pulisic limped off with an injury minutes later, and with him went the US dreams of reaching a first World Cup quarter-final since 2002.

His replacement, Sebastian Berhalter, flashed an ambitious shot narrowly wide in the 79th minute, and Balogun had a close-range effort saved soon after.

But Chris Richards handed the ball to Lukaku in stoppage time, and the veteran striker did not hestitate to seal the rout. — AFP

LONDON, July 7 — Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner will set up a blockbuster Wimbledon semi-final showdown if the title rivals win their last-eight matches today.

In the women’s event, Japan’s Naomi Osaka hopes to move a step closer to a maiden Wimbledon crown.

AFP Sport looks at the quarter-final action on the ninth day of the tournament (x denotes seeding):

Novak Djokovic (SRB x7) v Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN x3)

Head to head level at 1-1

At an age when most of his contemporaries have long since retired, Djokovic remains at the cutting edge in his quest for success.

Amassing 24 Grand Slam titles and countless other prizes across the world hasn’t sated the 39-year-old’s thirst for more silverware.

Djokovic hopes to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon singles titles by winning a record 25th major.

That would make him the oldest man to win a Grand Slam in the Open era.

But the path to tennis immortality won’t be easy, with Canadian rising star Auger-Aliassime — aiming to make his first Wimbledon semi-final — lying in wait before a potential heavyweight encounter against defending champion Sinner.

No wonder Djokovic is turning to technology to keep his body in peak condition.

“I think the amount of time I spend recovering nowadays is more than I have ever done. It’s just the demands of the body nowadays - more wear and tear,” he said.

“Throughout my career, I always try to look what can give me an edge. What’s the best recovery, wellness technology out there.

“From hyperbaric chambers, to cryo chambers, to cold immersions, to red light therapy to pulse electromagnetic therapies, to… There’s a lot of things that I have used.”

Naomi Osaka (JPN x14) v Karolina Muchova (CZE x10)

Head to head level at 3-3

Five years after she last won a Grand Slam, Japanese star Osaka is finally making waves at Wimbledon.

The 28-year-old has twice won Grand Slams in both Melbourne and New York, but success in London had been hard to come by until her superb fourth-round win over world number one Aryna Sabalenka.

Having dazzled Wimbledon fans with her eye-catching walk-on outfits, Osaka wants make a statement with her tennis as she competes in the last eight at the All England Club for the first time.

Former French Open finalist Muchova, 29, is also hoping to make the Wimbledon semi-finals for the first time.

Jannik Sinner (ITA x1) v Jan-Lennard Struff (GER)

Sinner leads head to head 3-0

With Wimbledon basking in sweltering temperatures this week, Sinner has to answer some uncomfortable questions about his ability to withstand the heat.

The 24-year-old Italian wilted in the recent French Open when the mercury reached boiling point, sparking a stunning second-round defeat against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, who battled back from two sets and 5-1 down to beat Sinner.

Bidding to win Wimbledon for the second successive year, the four-time Grand Slam champion is adamant he can cope with the London heatwave when he faces Jan-Lennard Struff — at 36 the oldest man to become a first-time quarter-finalist at the majors in the Open era.

“I feel I’m well-prepared. We did a good preparation. Whatever happened in the past, it’s gone already. Now we see if we found a solution,” Sinner said.

“But in any case, quarter-final of a Grand Slam, the feelings are different. There is definitely more tension. In the same time, I’m very happy where I am at the moment. Then we see how it goes.”

Jessica Pegula (USA x4) v Coco Gauff (USA x7)

Pegula leads head to head 5-3

The all-American encounter on Centre Court pits two players aiming to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals for the first time.

Pegula, 32, is in her second Wimbledon quarter-final and has never won a Grand Slam.

Gauff — a two-time major champion — is appearing in the last eight at the All England Club for the first time. — AFP

LOS ANGELES, July 7 — Fifa defended the World Cup referee at the centre of the Folarin Balogun controversy yesterday after the official was branded “very suspect” by US President Donald Trump.

In a statement, Fifa said Brazilian official Rapahel Claus had “demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity” throughout his career.

Claus had shown US striker Balogun a controversial red card last week, prompting Trump to lobby Fifa to review the forward’s one-match suspension.

Fifa subsequently reprieved Balogun, allowing him to play in yesterday’s last-16 clash against Belgium in Seattle, in a decision that has been widely criticised.

Trump had questioned Claus’s refereeing credentials while speaking to reporters in the White House earlier yesterday.

“This referee, who is a little bit suspect if you check his past. I don’t want to say that because I don’t like to create controversy, but very suspect. He made a call that nobody could believe,” Trump said.

The remarks had already been condemned by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), who said there was nothing in Claus’s background which “gives grounds for suspicion.”

Fifa chief refereeing officer and chairman of the referees committee Pierluigi Collina, said Claus was a key member of the World Cup referees pool.

“Raphael Claus is refereeing at his second Fifa World Cup having been with us in Qatar in 2022,” Collina said in a statement.

“He is an experienced and highly respected referee and we maintain full confidence in him as a trusted match official.” — AFP

WALTHAM (United States), July 7 — Kylian Mbappe yesterday labelled a Paraguayan senator “despicable” and “not worthy of her position” after sheracially abused the France captain on social media after the World Cup last-16 clash between the countries at the weekend.

Mbappe’s reaction came after Celeste Amarilla attacked the Real Madrid superstar in the wake of Saturday’s game in Philadelphia, a bad-tempered affair which France won 1-0.

“Mrs Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and not worthy of your position,” Mbappe wrote on X.

“You do not represent Paraguay, the country that has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition.

“Through your lack of awareness and your uninhibited racism, the entire world has already forgotten your team’s run and historic effort at this World Cup,” he added.

Amarilla racially abused Mbappe and in another post called him a “colonised Cameroonian who has really pretended to be French, embittered, nouveau riche, arrogant and ugly”, and accused him of being “scared to death” during the game.

The comments have provoked an angry reaction in France, with the country’s sports minister, Marina Ferrari, describing them as “abject, disgraceful and all the more unacceptable coming from a politician”.

Mbappe, who father was originally from Cameroon before settling in France, scored the only goal of the game from a penalty in the second half, taking Les Bleus through to a quarter-final this Thursday against Morocco.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the “racist attacks” directed at the France captain.

“The President of the Republic stands with Kylian Mbappe and the French team in the face of the racist attacks directed at the Bleus’ captain,” the Elysee Palace said.

The president of Paraguay has written to the French president condemning the remarks as has the Paraguayan ministry of foreign affairs, the Elysee added. — AFP

WASHINGTON, July 7 — The United States famously is less passionate about soccer than most countries, but with President Donald Trump in charge, the world’s game has turned into another diplomatic battleground.

Trump, who has relished the US role as co-host of the World Cup, acknowledged he reached out to Fifa which rescinded a red card handed to US star Folarin Balogun.

Trump also cast aspersions on the reputation of the Brazilian referee who issued the red card, even while insisting that “I don’t like to create controversy.”

Much like when Trump imposed trade tariffs, belittled leaders or questioned Nato, his intervention on the red card caused Europeans to close ranks.

The foreign minister of Belgium, which now faces a full US squad in their knockout match yesterday, called the Fifa U-turn “incomprehensible.” Fifa promptly rejected Belgium’s appeal.

EU sports chief Glenn Micallef said such decisions “belong to sporting bodies, not politicians.”

Balogun was handed the red card during a US victory against Bosnia, a staunchly pro-American country, where an X account backing the players described Fifa and the United States as a “mafia.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said that the United States got “screwed” by the red card, joked that the episode may come up at a Nato summit this week.

“Maybe they’re trying to get an international incident,” Rubio said.

Rubio, a sports lover more known for commentary on American football, said Belgium should be happy to play against a full US squad rather than have a tarnished match.

“I just hope that the match will go on, everyone will be at full strength and the winner will be the winner,” Rubio said.

Trump playbook 

Trump, with his motto of “America First,” has unabashedly brandished raw US power to get his way, even at the risk of annoying allies.

He has threatened to seize Greenland and the Panama Canal and tried to neuter the International Criminal Court with sanctions on judges whose rulings the United States opposes.

Trump said he raised the red card with Fifa chief Gianni Infantino, who has allied himself closely with the Republican billionaire, renting space in Trump Tower in New York and even presenting the president with an inaugural “Fifa Peace Prize.”

“Trump has no integrity and of course he would try and use his position to influence the outcome,” posted Cyrus Janssen, an online commentator on world affairs.

“It’s what he has done in every other situation in life, including when he tried to steal the 2020 election,” he said.

Infantino said he told Trump that the review was independent.

But the optics apparently were too much even for Infantino’s predecessor Sepp Blatter, who resigned in 2015 after a US-backed corruption probe.

“Football must never become a playground for political power,” Blatter posted

Long a political game 

The red card saga quickly generated viral internet memes.

In one, Balogun responds to the red card by flashing a card of Trump. In another, the new Fifa-selected referee is… Rubio.

Trump’s intervention brought cheers from his right-wing base, some of which would normally be quick to dismiss soccer as an effete foreign import.

But even some Americans who are not fond of Trump questioned the red card.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, an avid soccer fan, said Balogun was “cruelly” issued a red card although he stayed mum on Trump’s involvement.

Brett Bruen, a former US diplomat often critical of Trump, said the United States had the right to register complaints and that it was not new for a head of state to weigh in.

He said that Europeans did not show the same outrage at a suspension of a red card in the World Cup qualifiers against Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

“For years, Europeans aided and abided flagrant ethical flaws in the international football federation,” said Bruen, head of the Global Situation Room strategic communications firm.

“So trying to paint presentation of a legitimate complaint as corruption is comical.”

The World Cup is no stranger to political overtones.

In 1982, a Kuwaiti sheikh came onto the pitch and persuaded the referee to cancel a goal.

And in 1969, Honduras and El Salvador fought a brief war as sentiments were stirred up by a World Cup qualifying match. — AFP

LOS ANGELES, July 7 — Fifa chief Gianni Infantino yesterday defended the decision to reprieve US World Cup star Folarin Balogun after Donald Trump said he had appealed directly to the head of world football’s governing body over the issue.

Balogun, the US team’s outstanding player at the World Cup, had been set to miss the last-16 game against Belgium in Seattle later Yesterday after receiving a red card in the victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the previous round.

But on Sunday Fifa said it was suspending the card, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium, sparking a furore.

The uproar showed no signs of abating with just hours to go until the 5:00 pm (0100 GMT Tuesday) kickoff of the biggest game in the history of American soccer.

Fifa also dismissed Belgium’s appeal over the decision as “inadmissible”.

Belgium’s football association said earlier it had “still not received any decision or any explanation from Fifa regarding this matter”.

Under pressure to explain Fifa’s decision to allow Balogun to play, Infantino insisted yesterday that his organization’s disciplinary process was independent and he could not influence it.

That came after Trump confirmed he had contacted Infantino directly about the red card.

Trump told reporters at the White House he had called Infantino, with whom he has built a close relationship, “because I didn’t think it was a foul”.

“All I did was ask for a review, I didn’t say you have to do this,” Trump added.

Infantino said he had explained to Trump that “there was an ongoing legal process involving Fifa’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies”.

‘Crosses red line’ 

The football chief said he always read the decisions handed down and “sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree.”

He added: “What I always do, however, is respect those decisions and the autonomy of the bodies that make them.”

The chair of the Fifa disciplinary panel that considered Balogun’s case issued a statement yesterday defending the decision but did not divulge the reasons why the US striker was reprieved.

The panel said simply that suspending disciplinary sanctions was “nothing new in the modern game” and was entirely within the discretion of Fifa.

European football’s governing body Uefa said earlier Fifa had “crossed a red line” by allowing Balogun to play.

“Football, like any other sports, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition. Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not,” Uefa added.

It also warned of the ramifications for the sport as a whole.

“Football is the most loved sport in the world because it is a beautiful game and is trusted because is played everywhere with the same laws,” Uefa said.

“A tournament is never a pure standalone and, if the tournament in question is the World Cup, it has the power to drive positive or negative consequences on the game as a whole.”

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said he thought it was an April Fool’s joke when he heard Balogun’s card had been suspended, while Norway coach Stale Solbakken said Fifa had made “a big mistake”.

Former England and Manchester United star Gary Neville said Fifa’s decision represented “a stain” on the World Cup.

“(Trump) rang up somebody at Fifa and asked them to change their mind, and lo and behold, an independent committee then changed their mind,” Neville said. “It stinks.”

Infantino said he often discussed events at the World Cup with Trump.

“I regularly discuss matters related to the Fifa World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump,” he said.

“Just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues.”

Infantino, a Swiss-Italian who has led Fifa since 2016, was a frequent visitor to the White House in the buildup to the World Cup.

Last year he awarded Trump a newly created Fifa peace prize, which he presented to the president at the World Cup draw in Washington. — AFP

ARLINGTON, July 7 — Cristiano Ronaldo laboured through his last World Cup match yesterday as the dream of winning the biggest prize of all ended in a 1-0 defeat to Spain and left him fighting back tears.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain and one of the best players of all time says he will now go away and think about what comes next.

He has won it all in a trophy-laden career at some of Europe’s biggest clubs, and tasted European glory with his country.

But among his bulging trophy cabinet there will be no World Cup winners medal, and he was largely ineffectual as he huffed and puffed through a disappointing last-16 clash in Texas.

“That’s football, that’s the life of a footballer,” he said, struggling to raise his voice above the crushing disappointment.

“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and you have to move on.”

Ronaldo, the leading scorer in the history of men’s international football, said he would leave the World Cup stage “with a clear conscience”.

“The truth is, the biggest title I won with the national team was in 2016 (Euros), which for me is just as significant as a World Cup, honestly,” he said.

Ronaldo’s best World Cup will always remain the semi-finals 20 years ago.

His display in a disappointing game summed up what the veteran talisman has become in recent years — a shadow of the player that one struck fear into opponents.

He had three attempts at goal and was a peripheral figure playing through the centre of an ineffectual Portugal attack.

He scored three times at the tournament in North America in his World Cup farewell — twice in a 5-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan and a penalty against Croatia in the last 32.

Ronaldo did not register a single assist at the tournament and at one point against Spain threw his hands up in the air as a team-mate’s pass went astray.

He left the pitch at the home of the Dallas Cowboys on his own.

Billionaire footballer 

Ronaldo went from growing up in a poor family on the island of Madeira, with an alcoholic father, to become a global superstar.

His eternal thirst for records coupled with a relentless drive for self-improvement and tireless devotion to his art sustained him into his 40s.

Off the field he is a phenomenon too — the first billionaire footballer, boasting 671 million followers on Instagram and his “Siuuu!” celebration mimicked by star-struck children the world over.

But there was to be no Hollywood-style World Cup happy ending for the attacker, who played first for Sporting Lisbon, before becoming a global icon at Manchester United.

After six years and Champions League glory there he lit up the Bernabeu with Real Madrid, where he conquered Europe four more times.

Then came Juventus, a stint back at United, and now the figurehead of Saudi Arabia’s bid for footballing respectability at Al Nassr.

His many accolades and prizes also include five Ballon d’Ors.

In recent years the narrative around Ronaldo has shifted.

With his powers on the wane and lacking the mesmerising turn of foot and pace that were once his hallmark, he moved from the wings to a more traditional number nine role.

Ronaldo and Portugal coach Roberto Martinez have been accused of dragging his international career out beyond its sell-by date.

Martinez made two double changes late on as they chased the game against Spain, but Ronaldo remained on the pitch regardless.

Speaking on the eve of the match, Ronaldo insisted: “I am not going to be more Cristiano Ronaldo or less because I win the World Cup.” — AFP