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Merino strikes late again  Spain edged Belgium to reach World Cup semi-finals Author | Peter Grainger Stadium | Los Angeles Stadium Mikel Merino proved Spain's match winner once more as the substitute struck two minutes from time to break Belgium's resistance and send the European champions into the World Cup semi-finals. The Arsenal midfielder had already rescued Spain in the last 16 with a 91st-minute winner against Portugal and repeated the feat in Los Angeles, settling a finely balanced quarter-final with another decisive late contribution. With the contest level at 1-1 and seemingly drifting towards extra time, Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who had replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois, could only spill Pau Cubarsi's fierce 25-yard effort. Merino reacted quickest, turning the rebound into the roof of the net from close range after spending just 117 seconds on the pitch following his introduction for Dani Olmo. Watch | Highlights from BBC Sport Fabián ...

Belgium sweep aside the United States Charles De Ketelaere scored twice as Belgium eased past the United States to ensure the tournament's third and final co-host exited the World Cup. Author | Peter Grainger  Stadium | Seattle Stadium It was a subdued display from the US, who included striker Folarin Balogun in their starting line-up after President Donald Trump asked Fifa to review his suspension following the red card he received in the previous round. Fifa responded by suspending the automatic one-match ban for 12 months, but the tournament's joint-leading scorer, with three goals, was largely isolated as Belgium controlled proceedings. Belgium took the lead after just nine minutes when Nicolas Raskin's pass across the face of goal was turned in by De Ketelaere. The co-hosts drew level in the 31st minute as Malik Tillman's free-kick took a wicked deflection off Hans Vanaken and wrong-footed the goalkeeper. Watch | Highlights from ITV Sport Belgium restored their...

Disappointment for the co-hosts as Switzerland top Group B Goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi within the opening 12 minutes of the second half proved enough to seal first place. Author | Peter Grainger  Stadium | Vancouver Stadium The win also ensured Switzerland became only the third nation, alongside Argentina and France, to reach the knockout stages at each of the last four World Cups. They will now face one of the third-placed teams from Groups E, F, G, H, I or J in Vancouver on 3 July. Despite the defeat, Canada progressed to the knockout stages for the first time in their history after finishing second in Group B, having drawn with Bosnia and Herzegovina and thrashed Qatar in their previous two matches. The impact of this match from a Canadian perspective However, by missing out on top spot, Jesse Marsch's side surrendered their home advantage and will not play another match in Canada during the tournament. Their next fixture comes at Los Angeles Stadium in California...

An emotional night for everyone associated with the Canada team Ismael Kone's serious-looking injury left Canada manager Jesse Marsch in tears and cast a shadow over their first World Cup finals victory as they swept aside nine-man Qatar Author | Peter Grainger  Stadium | BC Place Vancouver With the co-hosts already 3-0 up in Vancouver and enjoying a numerical advantage, Qatar's Assim Omer Madibo and Kone challenged for the ball, leading to a lengthy stoppage and the Canadian midfielder being carried off on a stretcher. Madibo was initially shown a yellow card, but it was upgraded to a red following a video assistant referee (VAR) review. As Canadian supporters chanted his name, former Watford midfielder Kone was able to sit up and wave while being taken around the side of the pitch, inhaling pain relief. Canada are now in a strong position to reach the knockout rounds, but the injury to Kone could prove a major setback to any hopes of progressing beyond the last 32. The distre...

A rare World Cup win for Austria They secured their first World Cup finals victory since 1990 with a hard-fought win over debutants Jordan in San Francisco. Author | Peter Grainger Stadium | San Francisco Bay Area Stadium The Europeans went ahead through a superb strike from Romano Schmid in the 21st minute, but Jordan responded five minutes after the break when Ali Olwan curled an excellent effort beyond the goalkeeper. Former Stoke City and West Ham United forward Marko Arnautovic believed he had restored Austria's lead after pouncing on a loose ball when Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila failed to deal with a corner. However, following a review by the video assistant referee, the goal was ruled out after replays showed the ball had struck the arm of Stefan Posch. READ MORE |  Iran 2 - 2 New Zealand READ MORE |  Argentina 3 - 0 Algeria Austria were not to be denied and regained the advantage in the 76th minute when Yazan Al Arab inadvertently turned the ball into his own ne...

Maxi Araujo scored a late equaliser for Uruguay This denied Saudi Arabia another memorable opening-match victory at a World Cup. Author | Peter Grainger Stadium | Miami Stadium Saudi Arabia stunned the footballing world when they defeated eventual champions Argentina in their opening fixture at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. This time, however, they could not withstand a relentless second-half assault from Uruguay, who finished with 28 attempts on goal, as Marcelo Bielsa's side battled back to claim a point in the Group H encounter. A closer analysis of what happened Abdulelah al Amri bundled home four minutes before half-time after Hassan al Tambakti's powerful header from a corner was parried by Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, putting Saudi Arabia ahead and raising hopes of another famous World Cup upset. Pictures taken by readers Thommo and JP Former Leeds manager Bielsa responded with a double substitution at the interval, including the withdrawal of the ineffective for...

Historic moment for Qatar They claimed the first World Cup point in their history with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Switzerland. Author | Peter Grainger Stadium | San Francisco Bay Area Stadium Boualem Khoukhi rose to head home Homam El Amin's cross in the fourth minute of added time, sparking jubilant celebrations among Julen Lopetegui's players. A closer analysis of what happened It was a remarkable finale to a contest largely controlled by Switzerland, who had looked set to secure victory through Breel Embolo's first-half penalty. The striker converted from the spot after Remo Freuler was brought down by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, although television replays suggested the Bologna midfielder may have been marginally offside in the build-up. At that point, Murat Yakın's side appeared on course to move to the top of Group B ahead of more demanding fixtures against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Canada. How costly could these two dropped points be for Switze...

Some pride restored for Australia It wasn't the perfect ending but still a memorable tour for the British and Irish Lions  Author |  Peter Grainger In torrential Sydney rain, with lightning strikes forcing a suspension in play, Australia salvaged pride with a riotous victory over the British and Irish Lions in the third and final Test at Stadium Australia . Though the series had already been clinched by the Lions with wins in the opening two matches, the Wallabies produced their most compelling performance of the tour, outscoring the visitors by three tries to two in wild, storm-lashed conditions. Dylan Pietsch ’s early try and a Tom Lynagh penalty gave the hosts an 8-0 lead by the break in what had already become a bruising, ill-tempered contest. Maro Itoje , Tommy Freeman and Lynagh were all forced off after failing head injury assessments, while James Ryan was knocked unconscious in a distressing collision with the knee of Will Skelton shortly after half-time. A...

An historic win for the British and Irish Lions against Australia  Hugo Keenan’s last-gasp try secured a dramatic series win for the British and Irish Lions in a pulsating Test match against Australia in Melbourne. Author |  Peter Grainger In front of a crowd of more than 90,000 people, the tension was relentless throughout a contest destined to be remembered as one of the greats. Even Keenan ’s decisive score was followed by an agonising wait for the television match official’s verdict. Jac Morgan ’s intervention at the breakdown was ruled legal and the try stood, sparking wild celebrations. Remarkably, the Lions had trailed 23-5 after a breathless opening spell dominated by a ferocious Australian side led by Rob Valetini and Will Skelton . The hosts ran riot, with James Slipper , Jake Gordon and Tom Wright all crossing in a frenetic first half, while Tom Lynagh added early penalties. Gordon and Wright struck while Tommy Freeman was in the bin, as the Lions appeared...

England win by 22 runs and lead series 2-1 England 387 (Root 104, Carse 56, Smith 51; Bumrah 5-74) & 192 (Root 40; Sundar 4-22) India 387 (Rahul 100, Pant 74, Jadeja 72; Woakes 3-84) & 170 (Jadeja 61*; Stokes 3-48, Archer 3-55) Author |  Peter Grainger Ben Stokes once again proved England’s heartbeat as they edged a gripping third Test at Lord’s , beating India by 22 runs on a nerve-shredding final day. The England captain delivered a tireless spell with the ball, taking three wickets as India were bowled out for 170 in their pursuit of 193. What had looked a straightforward finish unravelled into a tense stand-off, with Ravindra Jadeja leading a defiant rearguard. India had collapsed to 112 for eight when Jadeja was joined by Jasprit Bumrah . The pair held firm for almost 22 overs in a gritty partnership worth 35 runs, with Bumrah scoring just five from 54 balls. Eventually, Stokes lured him into a mistimed pull that was safely taken at mid-on. Even then, Jadeja was un...

Fluminense will be the only non European team remaining in the competition They edged a breathless encounter with Al Hilal to book their place in the Club World Cup semi-finals, where they will face Chelsea at MetLife Stadium Author | Peter Grainger The match burst into life just before half-time. Martinelli smartly cushioned Gabriel Fuentes’ cut-back into his stride and rifled an unstoppable shot into the top corner.  Fabio then produced a fine save to deny Kalidou Koulibaly, before referee Danny Makkelie pointed to the spot after Marcos Leonardo went down in the area. A VAR review, however, showed no foul by Samuel Xavier and the decision was overturned. Marcos Leonardo had his moment soon after the restart. Koulibaly’s header from a corner ricocheted off him, and with Fabio already committed the wrong way, the Brazilian reacted quickly to hook the ball into the net. READ MORE |  Latest Club World Cup news READ MORE |  PSG's memorable season continues WATCH | ...

Inter Milan kept their hopes of winning the Club World Cup alive  They came from behind to snatch victory against Urawa Red Diamonds Author | Peter Grainger Inter still have hope. Urawa are out. Supernewsaffiliate.blogspot.com [image or embed] — Super News Affiliate ( @eurosuperfootball.bsky.social ) 22 June 2025 at 09:22 Ryoma Watanabe's 11th-minute strike looked to have earned the Japanese side a shock victory, but Lautaro Martinez's spectacular overhead kick and Valentin Carboni's stoppage-time strike eliminated the Japanese side from the competition. Inter, playing under Cristian Chivu for the second time after Simone Inzaghi's departure this month, dominated the first half but paid the price for failing to track Watanabe's run when the winger rounded off a slick counter-attack with a low finish. READ MORE | Latest Club World Cup news READ MORE | Inter Milan's previous match Inter captain Martinez was unfortunate to see his header crash off the crossba...

There has been some interesting changes to the next edition of the Six Nations England host Wales for the Anglo-Welsh clash that will conclude the opening weekend of the Championship Author - Peter Grainger French influence on the schedule Ireland will travel to defending champions France in the first-ever Thursday night fixture in Six Nations' history when the 2026 tournament begins on 5 February. Ireland and France have won the past four titles between them and their blockbuster encounter has been brought forward to avoid a clash with the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan the following day. The shift has reportedly been designed to maximise audiences in France. The finale of last year's tournament, when France beat Scotland to secure the title, returned record Six Nations audiences in France. The 2025 tournament recorded a 6.3% increase in audience in domestic markets overall. It has also been confirmed there will be only one rest weekend, rather than the p...

Jules Koundé struck a sensational extra-time winner as Barcelona edged past Real Madrid to lift the Copa del Rey. This brought an enthralling Clásico in Seville to a dramatic conclusion. Author - Peter Grainger With the match finely poised at 2-2 after 120 minutes and the prospect of penalties looming, the French defender collected the ball 22 yards from goal and rifled a low drive into the bottom corner. The calm before the storm... Barcelona had dominated the first half and took a deserved lead through Pedri, who swept in a superb first-time effort from outside the area after a clever cut-back by Lamine Yamal. Real Madrid, however, were transformed following the introduction of Kylian Mbappé. The France international, brought on from the bench, won a free-kick and bent it into the bottom corner via the inside of the post. Aurélien Tchouaméni then put Madrid ahead, rising highest to nod in from Arda Güler’s corner. Barcelona responded with composure. Ferran Torres latched onto a l...

Athletic Club had to settle for a point against a very defensive CA Osasuna. The goalless draw means Athletic are no closer to third-placed Atletico, but keeps them firmly in fourth place, six points clear of Villarreal CF, who they visit next Sunday. Author - Peter Grainger The Rojillos' three-centre-back system made life difficult for the Lions, who were also hampered by goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez who made several fine saves. Osasuna barely threatened, only having a couple of chances between their attacking players. They would have almost certainly taken a point before the match.  The rest of the attacking play was done by Ernesto Valverde's men. Nico Williams went close when he collected a long ball from Unai Núñez before Aitor Fernández turned his low drive behind for a corner. This was proving to be a frustrating afternoon. READ MORE:  Barcelona restore three point lead at top of La Liga That save and a Yuri Berchiche effort were Athletic's only major opportunities...

Dundee picked up an important win at their local rivals They produced a stunning first-half performance to secure their first derby win at Tannadice since 2004. Author - Peter Grainger Jordan McGhee set them on their way with a powerful header before Scott Tiffoney doubled the lead, his long-range effort slipping agonisingly through goalkeeper Jack Walton's hands. Glenn Middleton pulled one back for Dundee United with a superb curling strike, but McGhee’s second of the game restored Dundee’s two-goal cushion before half-time, as the hosts struggled to keep them at bay. READ MORE | Celtic 2 - 3 Rangers READ MORE | Football news from Super News Affiliate Dundee could have been even further ahead at the break, with two goals ruled out for marginal offsides and Simon Murray going close after United failed to clear a corner. United, who had been outplayed in the first half, found a way back into the game after the restart when Kristijan Trapanovski’s deflected shot found the net. Bo...

Catalans season is off and running  They secured their first Super League victory of the season with a scrappy 11-0 win over a mistake-ridden Leeds Rhinos at Stade Gilbert Brutus. Author - Peter Grainger In a rain-soaked first half dominated by errors, penalties, and unsuccessful captain’s challenges, the only points came courtesy of Luke Keary’s drop goal on the stroke of half-time. The deadlock was finally broken early in the second half when Reimis Smith crossed the line, finishing off a move that started with a powerful break from Chris Satae. Theo Fages then floated a cross-field kick into Smith’s path, allowing the Australian to grab his second try of the night. For Leeds, the defeat extends their miserable away record in southern France, with Brad Arthur’s side failing to score in Perpignan for the third consecutive year. A first half to forget With both sides struggling to unlock each other’s defence, much of the first half’s action revolved around referee Aaron Moore. ...

Will you be attending TRNSMT in 2025? Rapper 50 Cent and Scottish rock legends Biffy Clyro are among the first big names confirmed for the 2025 TRNSMT festival. Author - Amy W  and Peter Grainger The wait is over—say hello to the first wave of artists for 2025! Tickets on sale Fri 6th at 9AM. Presale info on the reply below 👇 Sign up for first access ~ https://t.co/DdRAPzrkPd pic.twitter.com/lI7CjKpdNg — TRNSMT Festival (@TRNSMTfest) December 3, 2024 The three-day event, now in its eighth year, will take over Glasgow Green from 11–13 July, with around 150,000 fans expected to join the festivities across the weekend. Joining next year’s amazing line-up are Fontaines D.C., The Script, The Last Dinner Party, Inhaler, The Kooks, Kneecap, Gracie Abrams, Confidence Man, and many more. Adopted homegrown heroes Snow Patrol will close the festival, returning to Scotland following their The Forest Is The Path 2025 world tour. Their single Chasing Cars was crowned the most popular...