All articles tagged with #semifinal
England and Argentina meet in the 2026 World Cup semifinal in Atlanta, led by Kane and Bellingham for England and Messi for Argentina; kickoff is 3 p.m. ET, with FOX broadcasting and FOX One streaming, and the winner advances to Sunday’s final against Spain.
England and Argentina meet in a World Cup semifinal that’s about more than football: Messi’s brilliance looms large, historical rivalries add extra spice, and England’s players are determined to reach a final after decades of near-misses. Coach Tuchel stresses the magnitude while insisting the team will play their own way, and England’s Marc Guéhi speaks to faith and giving everything to seize the moment.
France’s World Cup semifinal in Dallas ended 0-2 to Spain, with Kylian Mbappe blaming technical and tactical errors, noting France failed to press high and were overrun in midfield as Spain dictated the game; the team vows to learn from the disappointment and move on.
Spain beat France 1-0 in the Dallas semifinal, with Mikel Oyarzabal converting a first-half penalty to take the lead. France pressed in the closing stages but were unable to find an equalizer, while Spain’s defense and depth—backed by bench players—helped them advance to the World Cup final for the first time since their 2010 title run.
England battled through a grueling path to the semifinals, overcoming a tough performance against Norway in humid Miami, with coach Thomas Tuchel praising their pure mentality and players stressing unity and willingness to do whatever it takes. Key contributions from Djed Spence, Dan Burn and Jordan Pickford underscored the squad’s togetherness as they prepare for a high-stakes clash with Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Atlanta, a matchup built on grit, pride, and the chance to reach the final after years of close calls.
Alexander Zverev defeated Arthur Fery in straight sets to end the Briton's Wimbledon fairytale in the semifinals, after a tense opener decided by a dominant tie-break and a decisive display in the second set; Fery, who had stunned Dimitrov and Cobolli on his Centre Court debut, rises into the top 40 and pockets about £900,000 in prize money, while Zverev climbs to world No. 2 next week.
Karolina Muchova edged Coco Gauff in a dramatic Wimbledon semifinal, overcoming early errors and a tense deciding-set tie-break, including a moment of ankle concern, to reach the final after a 2h35m battle on Centre Court.
Novak Djokovic, at 39, outlasted Felix Auger-Aliassime in the longest Wimbledon quarterfinal (5h15m) to reach the semifinals against Jannik Sinner. Aliassime pushed him with more winners and a fierce challenge, while Djokovic battled cramps, a tense roof moment, and the pressure of the moment, ultimately winning in a deciding fifth-set tiebreak to become the oldest major semifinalist since 1977.
Diana Shnaider, who roared back from a set and two breaks down to topple Aryna Sabalenka, reaches the Roland Garros 2026 semifinal to face Maja Chwalinska, a qualifier who stunned Kalinskaya in straight sets for her maiden Grand Slam semifinal. Chwalinska’s left-handed variety and dropshots promise a tricky test for Shnaider, who stressed staying focused and going for her shots as she chases a first major final.
Venezuela defeated Italy 4-2 in the World Baseball Classic semifinals in Miami, advancing to the championship game against Team USA. Maikel García delivered the go-ahead hit in the seventh inning after Italy’s pitching plan of Lorenzen followed by Nola; Luis Arraez added an RBI hit in the same frame as Venezuela’s offense finally clicked, and Jackson Chourio greeted the go-ahead run at the dugout. The win, Venezuela’s first WBC final appearance since the tournament’s inception, sets up a high-stakes final against the United States on Tuesday.
USA defeated the Dominican Republic 2-1 in a World Baseball Classic semifinal to reach the final, with the finish sparking social-media debate over a late strike call against Geraldo Perdomo and prompting calls for a pitch-challenge system.
Gunnar Henderson and Roman Anthony homered to back Paul Skenes as the United States edged the Dominican Republic 2-1 in a World Baseball Classic semifinal, advancing to the final against Italy or Venezuela. The DR threatened in the ninth, but a controversial final pitch—several inches below the strike zone and not reviewable because ABS isn’t used in the WBC—helped seal the win, while the US bullpen shut down the DR after Skenes’ solid start and notable defensive plays (including Judge robbing a homer). Caminero’s solo shot gave DR an early lead as the dramatic finish capped a tightly contested game.
No. 1 Michigan defeated Penn State 5-2 in the Big Ten semifinal at Yost, anchored by a perfect 6-for-6 penalty kill and 27 saves from freshman goalie Jack Ivankovic. Nick Moldenhauer set up two goals as Michigan pulled ahead in the third and will face Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship.
Barcelona fought back to win 3-0 in the second leg but could not overturn the 4-0 deficit from the first leg, and Atletico Madrid advance to the Copa del Rey final on a 4-3 aggregate. Marc Bernal scored twice for Barcelona (28 and 71 mins) and Raphinha converted a 49th-minute penalty, but Atletico’s earlier emphatic victory proved decisive as they reach the final.
Barcelona must overturn a 4-0 first‑leg deficit to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg at Camp Nou, with Barça hoping for a spark after recent form and injuries; Atlético aim to seal the tie on the counter while defending their lead. A pundit’s prediction in the piece suggests a fiery Barça display but expects Atlético to reach the final, 3-2 in the second leg. The article also lists possible lineups for both teams as they bid to force a miracle or close out the tie efficiently.