Spain Advances to World Cup Final

Spain secured a spot in the World Cup final after defeating France 2-0 in a semifinal match held at Dallas Stadium. This victory marks only the second time these two nations have met in a World Cup fixture, with France having won their previous encounter in the 2006 Round of 16 elimination match. Spain entered this match favored, having won their two most recent meetings, including the 2024 Euro Semifinals, which they followed by becoming European champions.

The match saw Spain take the lead from a penalty kick. Lucas Digne of France was penalized for a challenge on Spain’s Lamine Yamal, who was celebrating his 19th birthday in Dallas the day prior. Mikel Oyarzabal converted the penalty, marking his fifth goal of the tournament. Yamal had expressed a birthday wish to defeat France and ultimately win Spain’s second World Cup.

Spain’s defensive strength was evident throughout the tournament, having conceded only one goal prior to this semifinal. Their impressive defensive record continued against France, who managed only one shot on target until the 81st minute of the game. The Spanish team’s ability to control possession and disrupt France’s attacking efforts was a key factor in their victory.

Key Moments and French Struggles

Following the initial goal, France faced further setbacks when center-back William Saliba was forced to leave the game due to injury. Saliba had been playing through minor issues for several months, a fact he had previously acknowledged. This injury necessitated a defensive reshuffle for France, which Spain exploited early in the second half. Pedro Porro capitalized on a well-executed team play to score Spain’s second goal, extending their lead.

France’s star player, Kylian Mbappe, who leads the Golden Boot Race with eight goals and three assists, was unable to add to his tally. French frustration was palpable, with Mbappe receiving a booking late in the game for a challenge on goalkeeper Unai Simon. Despite having what was considered the best attack in the tournament, France struggled to create clear opportunities, with many of their attempts being overhit or misdirected.

The French midfield also appeared to struggle with fatigue and disorganization as Spain asserted control in the second half. Spain’s Rodri was noted for winning his duels and distributing the ball effectively, navigating through French pressure. This midfield dominance allowed Spain to maintain possession and dictate the pace of the game, further limiting France’s ability to mount a comeback.

Spain’s Path to the Final

Spain entered the semifinal on an impressive run, unbeaten in 36 games, excluding a penalty-shootout defeat against Portugal in the Nations League final the previous year. This consistent performance has led some to suggest that Spain might have been underestimated in the tournament, despite their strong form. Their victory over France showcased their passing ability and defensive solidity, with ‘oles’ from the crowd marking their control in the final minutes.

The team’s journey in the World Cup had seen them draw their first match against Cape Verde, followed by wins against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in the group stage. While Yamal’s involvement was initially hampered by a left hamstring injury, his performance in the semifinal suggested he was peaking at a crucial time for his team. Coach Luis de la Fuente had expressed confidence in Yamal’s potential impact earlier in the tournament.

With this victory, Spain will now advance to the World Cup final, where they are set to face either England or Argentina. The final match will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday. France, on the other hand, will play in the bronze final in Miami on Saturday against the loser of the other semifinal. Tuesday’s match was the final game to be played at Dallas Stadium in Arlington for this tournament.

Source: fox4news.com

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Mavericks secure victory in Summer League matchup

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 96-88 in a 2026 NBA Summer League game held in Las Vegas on Monday. A significant portion of the Mavericks’ scoring came from their bench players, who contributed 51 of the team’s 96 points.

The game saw multiple ties, with the score even on eight occasions. Despite the Grizzlies’ efforts to close the gap, particularly after the Mavericks held a three-point lead entering the fourth quarter, Dallas prevented Memphis from mounting a comeback.

Leading the scoring for the Mavericks was Darin Green Jr., who came off the bench to score 18 points. He also recorded five assists, three rebounds, and two steals. Other notable bench performances included Jaden Springer with 17 points and Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, who contributed 16 points while shooting 7-for-8 from the floor.

Key contributions from Mavericks’ starters and Grizzlies’ top picks

The Mavericks’ starting unit also saw strong performances, particularly from Sergio De Larrea, a first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. De Larrea delivered a double-double with 16 points and 12 assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities as the team’s primary ballhandler. He also added four turnovers during the game. At 6’5″, De Larrea’s size is noted as beneficial for a guard, allowing him to see over defenders and utilize his ball-handling skills. He was the 25th overall selection in the draft and has prior experience playing for Valencia in the Liga ACB in Europe for the past four seasons.

Another starter, Jorge Diaz-Graham, also achieved a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Mavericks collectively shot 50.8% from the floor and 46.2% from three-point range during the game.

For the Memphis Grizzlies, Cameron Boozer, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, led all players in scoring with 21 points. Boozer also contributed eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Cedric Coward, the 2025 No. 11 overall pick, added 17 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. Olivier-Maxence Prosper also scored 18 points and grabbed five boards for Memphis.

The Grizzlies struggled with their shooting efficiency, finishing the game with 37.2% from the floor and 28.6% from three-point range. No other Memphis player reached double-digit scoring.

Upcoming Summer League schedule

The Dallas Mavericks are scheduled to play their next Summer League game against the Thunder at Thomas & Mack Center on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies will play on a back-to-back, facing the Golden State Warriors at the Pavilion on Tuesday.

The performance of young players like De Larrea in the Summer League is often seen as an early indicator of their potential. De Larrea, who is 20 years old, is considered an important prospect for the Mavericks, especially given the team’s need for playmaking around Cooper Flagg and in the context of Kyrie Irving’s injury.

The Mavericks’ win over the Grizzlies highlighted the depth of their bench and the promising play of their recent draft picks. The Grizzlies, despite strong individual performances from their top selections, will look to improve their team shooting in their upcoming game against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.

Source: nba.com

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Philadelphia recently hosted the Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park, an event that saw Jordan Walker of the Cardinals emerge victorious over the Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber in the final round. The competition, held on July 13, featured dramatic swings and a boisterous home crowd.

Walker secured his win by hitting four home runs in “bonus time,” ultimately defeating Schwarber with a score of 12-11. Schwarber, who batted first in the final, hit 11 homers from his allotted 15 swings. Walker then followed, facing a crowd of 43,863 Phillies fans who largely booed his efforts, cheering only when he failed to hit a home run. Despite the crowd’s reaction, Walker managed to hit six homers with two swings remaining, trailing Schwarber by five. He then hit two consecutive homers on his final two swings, followed by four straight in bonus time, allowing him to surpass Schwarber’s total.

The format of the Home Run Derby this year returned to a swing-based system, allowing hitters to continue swinging if they hit a home run on their final attempt. This change provided additional time between swings, enabling players to track their hits and the crowd to react. Walker, who wore his Cardinals hat backward and chewed bubble gum, celebrated his win with his family on the field, fulfilling what he described as a childhood dream.

Schwarber’s Journey to the Final

Kyle Schwarber‘s path to the final was marked by a strong performance, though he admitted the home crowd’s energy might have made him “amped up” in the initial rounds. In the first round, Schwarber finished with 10 homers, narrowly advancing in fourth place among the eight contestants. His teammate, Bryce Harper, hit 8 homers and did not progress to the next stage.

Schwarber faced the Red Sox’s Willson Contreras in the semifinals. Schwarber hit 9 homers in this matchup, while Contreras fell short with 8. The crowd’s support for Schwarber was evident, as they cheered every time Contreras did not hit a home run and booed otherwise. In the other semifinal, Jordan Walker defeated the Rays’ Junior Caminero with a score of 6-5. Caminero had hit a 491-foot home run in the semifinals, which was the longest of the night at that point, but only managed 5 homers in the round.

Earlier in the competition, Willson Contreras set a high bar as the first batter, hitting 13 homers, with his longest traveling 490 feet. Jordan Walker, batting next, also hit 13 homers, including one at 470 feet, tying Contreras for the lead after the bonus round. Other participants in the first round included Munetaka Murakami (9 homers), Jac Caglianone (8 homers), and Ben Rice (7 homers).

Fan Engagement and Player Reactions

The atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park was highly charged, with Phillies fans vociferously cheering their home players, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, and booing the other six contestants. Ben Rice of the Yankees reportedly received some of the loudest boos. Harper, who had previously stated that the 2018 derby would be his last, decided to participate this year due to the event being held in Philadelphia, expressing his desire to win again.

Schwarber acknowledged the intensity of the crowd, noting that the “hometown cooking is real here.” He recounted how other players observed the strong home support. Despite the crowd’s efforts to influence the outcome, Walker managed to maintain his focus. Schwarber commented on Walker‘s ability to “slow the moment down, and lock it in” during his crucial swings.

The event also highlighted local connections, with Kevin McGonigle, a 21-year-old infielder drafted by the Detroit Tigers, set to make his first appearance at Citizens Bank Park for the American League team on July 14. McGonigle, a lifelong Phillies fan, described the experience as a “dream come true.”

The Home Run Derby was sold out, marking the first time the event and the All-Star Game were held at Citizens Bank Park since its opening in 2004. This year’s derby was also aired on Netflix as part of a three-event package, which includes the opening night game and the Field of Dreams game between the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies on August 13.

Source: eu.delawareonline.com

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Players voice opposition to salary cap

Major League Baseball players, including Juan Soto, have expressed strong opposition to the league’s proposal for a salary cap system. Soto, who currently has a significant contract, stated his disapproval of the league’s efforts to implement such a cap. The league’s proposal aims to cap team spending at $245.3 million starting in 2027, while also raising the payroll floor to $171.2 million.

Many prominent players have shown little interest in a salary cap structure. Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout commented that the proposal attempts to minimize contract years and totals. He emphasized that baseball is currently in a good position and should not be negatively impacted by such changes. The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) has historically rejected salary cap systems.

Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper highlighted the importance of players being paid fairly, referencing the MLBPA’s long history of opposing the league and owners since its formation in the 1970s. He stressed the responsibility to uphold the efforts of previous players. Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes indicated that both sides have firm positions, and it remains to be seen whether this will lead to missed games or a missed season. He noted that both MLB and the players are presenting their ideal offers, suggesting there is still considerable time before any significant movement occurs.

League’s rationale for a cap system

The league and the MLBPA are currently in discussions regarding the inclusion of a salary cap system in the next collective bargaining agreement, as the current one is set to expire on December 1st. This push for a cap system is not new; owners first sought a salary cap in 1994, which led to a strike that canceled the 1994 postseason, including the World Series. That strike concluded after 232 days on April 2, 1995, following an injunction that blocked owners from unilaterally eliminating free agency and salary arbitration.

The league is now seeking a hard cap system that incorporates elements from the NFL and NBA models. One of the primary reasons cited for this push is economic disparity within the league. For 2025, the Dodgers had a Luxury Tax payroll of $417,341,608, significantly higher than the Marlins’ payroll of $86,926,975. This disparity of $330,414,633 highlights a considerable gap between teams at the top and bottom of the payroll spectrum.

Luxury Tax payrolls are crucial as they form the basis for the proposed hard cap and floor for 2027. However, the MLBPA has argued that using Luxury Tax payrolls does not accurately reflect how a cap system would function, especially since Luxury Tax penalties are funneled back to low-revenue clubs as revenue sharing. In the past year, a record $402,637,907 was paid in Luxury Tax penalties.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and league executives have stated that the current Luxury Tax system is not working, despite Manfred’s earlier comments in 2024 suggesting it was effective. Manfred noted in June, after quarterly owners’ meetings, that attempts to use a competitive balance tax to address competitive concerns had not been successful. The league’s proposals also aim to increase the minimum salary for players, with a proposed increase from $780,000 in 2026 to $1 million in 2027 for players with at least two years of service.

Fan sentiment also plays a role, with some fans favoring a system that enhances competitive balance, particularly after the Dodgers won back-to-back World Series championships. The league has also engaged in public relations efforts to advocate for a cap system, utilizing social media to present their case. Bruce Meyer, the interim executive director of the MLBPA, criticized these efforts, suggesting the league is trying to mislead fans to justify a system that would benefit owners. The league’s push for a salary cap system continues to be a central point of contention in ongoing labor negotiations.

Source: bleacherreport.com

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is still processing the departure of LeBron James, who will not return to the team in free agency this summer. Reaves, who recently signed a four-year, $180 million deal to remain with the Lakers, played alongside James for the first four seasons of his career. He shared with reporters that starting a season without James will be a new experience for him, as James’ presence has been all he has known.

Reaves expressed his respect and affection for James, stating that he has nothing but love for him. The guard mentioned that he was thinking about the change recently, acknowledging that James’ decision marks a significant shift for the team. James’ agent confirmed two weeks ago that the four-time NBA champion would not be returning to the Lakers.

A new era for the Lakers

The Lakers are entering a new phase, with James no longer the central figure of the franchise. This transformation began in February 2025 with the trade for Luka Doncic. James’ departure this summer, combined with the arrival of several new players, means the Lakers will present a significantly different roster next season.

Reaves will play a crucial role in this new era, forming a strong partnership on the court with Doncic. His contract ensures his presence in Los Angeles for at least four seasons, including a player option for the 2029–30 season. Reaves indicated that his heart was always set on remaining with the Lakers.

The team has undergone a substantial overhaul, with eight new players joining the roster. Among the new additions are Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, Kevon Looney, and Ziaire Williams. Reaves expressed excitement about these new teammates and the prospect of starting the season with them.

Roster changes and player perspectives

The offseason has been focused on building a complementary roster around Doncic. Keeping Reaves in Los Angeles for the long term was a key part of this strategy. Reaves reportedly took a discount on his original extension to help the team maintain financial flexibility, giving up approximately $5 million in total.

Walker Kessler, a 7-foot-2 center, was acquired from the Utah Jazz in a trade. He signed a contract. The Lakers sent out two unprotected first-round picks for 2031 and 2033, along with two first-round pick swaps for 2028 and 2030, to secure Kessler. He acknowledged the significant investment the team made to bring him to Los Angeles.

Sandro Mamukelashvili, a power forward, signed a deal. He averaged 11.2 points last season with the Toronto Raptors, shooting 52.3% from the field and 38.9% from three-point range. Guard Collin Sexton also joined the Lakers on a deal. Sexton, who averaged 15.4 points last season with Chicago and Charlotte, humorously noted that James has departed both times he has joined a team.

Reaves emphasized that everyone knows it is a completely different team, and different things will be asked of various players. He affirmed his commitment to fulfilling any role requested by coach JJ Redick and the staff to the best of his ability. The Lakers’ goal is to build a strong team around Doncic, with Reaves as a key component of their revamped roster.

The Lakers’ transformation includes the departure of all players who started alongside Reaves in the playoffs last spring, marking a complete overhaul of the roster for the upcoming season.

Source: sports.yahoo.com

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Schwarber steps in for Ohtani

Kyle Schwarber, the designated hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies, has been officially named as the replacement for Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani in the National League All-Star starting lineup. Ohtani, who was the leading vote-getter in the National League during Phase 1 of fan voting, will not participate due to left knee discomfort and inflammation. Schwarber is set to bat leadoff for the NL All-Stars.

The 2026 MLB All-Star Game will feature another Phillies player in the starting lineup, outfielder Brandon Marsh, who was voted in by fans. Marsh will start in right field and bat seventh in the order. The game is scheduled for July 14.

The NL All-Star team manager, Dave Roberts of the Dodgers, has revealed the batting order. Following Schwarber, Juan Soto will play left field and bat second. Freddie Freeman will be at first base, batting third, a position he often holds for the Dodgers. CJ Abrams, the starting shortstop for the Washington Nationals, will bat cleanup. Max Muncy, a third baseman for the Dodgers, is in the No. 5 spot, while Ozzie Albies of the Atlanta Braves will play second base and bat sixth.

After Marsh, Andy Pages, another Dodgers player selected by fans, will play center field and bat eighth. Rounding out the order is Drake Baldwin, a catcher and the second Braves player in the lineup.

Phillies representation at the All-Star Game

In addition to Schwarber and Marsh, several other Phillies players will be part of the NL All-Star squad. Pitcher Cristopher Sanchez will start for the NL All-Stars, pitching in front of the hometown crowd at Citizens Bank Park. This marks a notable moment for Sanchez, who is a teammate of both Schwarber and Marsh.

Other Philadelphia players joining the NL squad include first baseman Bryce Harper, who will come off the bench.

Kyle Schwarber has become a prominent figure in Philadelphia, having signed with the Phillies as a free agent multiple times. His approach to hitting involves a focused two-strike strategy, minimizing movement and keeping his head still to better recognize pitches. This method was evident in a game against the Mets on June 28, where he hit a 408-foot home run off pitcher Kodai Senga.

Schwarber’s career trajectory includes being cut by the Cubs at age 27 after hitting .197 against left-handed pitching for six seasons. Now at age 33, he is on pace to hit 56 home runs for the second consecutive year. This potential achievement would place him among a select group of sluggers to reach such numbers, with only Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Luis Gonzalez having hit more in a specific period between 1997 and 2001.

Teammate Bryce Harper has noted Schwarber’s ability to see the ball, take walks, and hit homers, highlighting his understanding of his own game. Harper also mentioned Schwarber’s ability to connect with players across various stages of their careers, from those in the minors to those who have experienced both success and struggle.

The All-Star Game and Home Run Derby are being held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, a venue that is part of a larger sports complex. This complex, which includes three venues with over 133,000 seats, hosts 380 annual events and attracts seven million visitors each year, underscoring the deep integration of sports into Philadelphia‘s culture. The All-Star Game is scheduled for July 14.

Source: sports.yahoo.com

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France and Spain are set to face each other in a highly anticipated World Cup 2026 semi-final in Dallas on Tuesday. Didier Deschamps, the France coach, has predicted a “spectacular” match between the two national teams. This semi-final is being viewed by some as a de facto final for the tournament, given the strong performances of both sides.

Spain previously defeated France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024, where they went on to become European champions. They also secured a victory against Les Bleus in a Nations League semi-final last year, in a match that ended 5-4. Despite these past results, Deschamps stated, “The past is in the past. They [Spain] did win in the past but I am looking forward to tomorrow. We are now at another level. We want to be in the final.” Deschamps is scheduled to step down from his role at the end of the tournament after 14 years in charge.

Teams Eyeing World Cup Final Berth

France, two-time world champions, could become only the third country to reach three consecutive World Cup finals if they win in Texas. West Germany (1982, 1986, 1990) and Brazil (1994, 1998, 2002) are the only nations to have achieved this feat. Deschamps captained France to a World Cup title in 1998 and managed the team to victory in 2018, before they were beaten on penalties by Argentina in the 2022 final in Qatar.

Deschamps suggested that Spain would start the semi-final as favorites, noting their defensive record of conceding only one goal in six games during the tournament. He added, “We know this could be a most spectacular game. [Spain boss] Luis [de la Fuente] and myself we know how to defend and with the quality of two teams offensively, we can think it’s going to be a spectacular game.”

De la Fuente, however, downplayed the favorite tag, stating, “It doesn’t mean anything. We are two great national teams facing one another. Whether we are favorites or not doesn’t mean further pressure for us. We have that pressure anyway because we want to do well for our country.”

Key Players and Team Form

France has been in strong form recently. Kylian Mbappe has contributed significantly, scoring eight goals and providing three assists. If Mbappe scores against Spain, he will surpass Lionel Messi of Argentina, who also has eight goals, in the race for the Golden Boot.

De la Fuente acknowledged the quality of France’s players, including Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise. He emphasized the need for Spain to “win our battles, be on the front foot and think about our style.” Spain’s Lamine Yamal has also been a notable performer, being named player of the match twice, despite scoring only once.

Both teams have demonstrated strong defensive capabilities. Spain has conceded only one goal throughout the tournament, an equalizer against Belgium in the quarter-final. France has not conceded a goal since their group stage finale against Norway, maintaining a clean sheet for 336 minutes. The semi-final is scheduled for a 20:00 BST kick-off.

Source: bbc.com

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World Cup semifinalists prepare for showdown

France and Spain, two teams that have not trailed at all in this year’s World Cup, are set to face each other in a semifinal match on Tuesday. The game will take place at the home of the NFL‘s Dallas Cowboys, marking one of two powerhouse semifinal matches in the tournament. Both nations are making their 17th appearance in the World Cup and have only met once before on this stage.

France, ranked as FIFA‘s top team entering the tournament, has outscored its opponents by a margin of 14-2. Kylian Mbappé, the 2022 Golden Boot winner, has scored eight goals in this tournament, matching Lionel Messi for the scoring lead. Mbappé‘s career total now stands at 20 goals in 20 World Cup matches, including a goal in the 2018 final victory over Croatia. French midfielder Adrien Rabiot noted the team’s confidence, tempered with humility, has been a characteristic since the competition began. Coach Didier Deschamps confirmed Mbappé is physically well after being substituted in the 77th minute of their quarterfinal win against Morocco, where he scored a goal.

Spain has also demonstrated strong form, outscoring opponents 10-1 since a goalless draw against Cape Verde in the group stage. Goalkeeper Unai Simón maintained a World Cup record of 650 minutes without conceding a goal until Belgium scored in the 41st minute of their quarterfinal game. Spanish midfielder Alex Baena mentioned that the team has improved with more games and practices, allowing them to find their rhythm after not having seen each other for an extended period.

Key players and past encounters

Spain‘s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, who celebrated his 19th birthday on Monday, has previously been part of two semifinal victories against France. He scored in a 2-1 win during the 2024 European Championship semifinals and was also part of Spain‘s 5-4 victory in Nations League play last year. Yamal, who has one goal and 10 shots on target in this World Cup, expressed his excitement for the upcoming match, calling it the most important game he will play.

Jules Koundé, a defender for France and also a player for Barcelona alongside Yamal, acknowledged Yamal‘s confidence. Koundé viewed Yamal‘s earlier comments as additional motivation for the young player. Mikel Merino has been a decisive substitute for Spain, scoring late goals in their last two matches, including an 88th-minute goal in the 2-1 win over Belgium and a goal in the first minute of second-half stoppage time for a 1-0 victory against Portugal in the round of 16.

This World Cup marks the first time since 1990 that all four semifinal teams are former champions. The other semifinal match will feature Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina against England on Wednesday in Atlanta. The championship match is scheduled for Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with a third-place game on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Historical context and tournament trajectory

The only previous World Cup meeting between France and Spain was in the round of 16 at the 2006 tournament in Germany, where France won 3-1. Both teams have lifted the World Cup trophy since that encounter, with Spain securing its only title in 2010 and France winning its second in 2018.

France is aiming to join Brazil and Germany as the only teams to reach three consecutive World Cup finals. Brazil achieved this between 1994 and 2002, while Germany did so between 1986 and 1990. This will be France‘s seventh semifinal appearance, and their fifth in the last eight World Cups. Spain‘s only other semifinal appearances were in 1950 and 2010, the year they won the title.

The match in Dallas will be the ninth game hosted at AT&T Stadium during this tournament. The stadium has previously hosted significant sporting events, including a Super Bowl and NCAA championship games. Lionel Messi scored three goals in Argentina‘s two group games at this venue, breaking a World Cup career scoring record with his goals in a 2-0 win over Austria on June 22.

Source: apnews.com

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Phillies’ Mid-Season Turnaround and All-Star Representation

Philadelphia Phillies star Kyle Schwarber has offered insights into the team’s performance during the current season, noting a significant turnaround after a challenging start. The Phillies, who began the 2026 campaign with a 9-19 record, have since improved their standing and are now positioned closely behind the Atlanta Braves in the division as the All-Star break approaches.

Schwarber, who is participating in the Home Run Derby, commented on the team’s progress, stating that they feel positive about their current position, especially considering their initial struggles. He highlighted the adversity faced early in the season, which included a managerial change. The team’s decision to move in a different direction by appointing interim manager Don Mattingly has coincided with an overall improved performance.

The National League All-Star Team will feature several Phillies players, with Schwarber officially named as a replacement for Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani in the starting lineup. Ohtani, who was the leading vote-getter in the National League during Phase 1 of fan voting, opted not to participate due to left knee discomfort and inflammation. Schwarber will bat leadoff for the NL All-Stars as the designated hitter.

Fellow Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh was also voted in by fans as a starter and will play right field, batting seventh in the order. Their teammate, left-handed ace Cristopher Sanchez, will take the mound as the starting pitcher for the NL All-Stars. Sanchez has maintained a 2.62 ERA through 20 first-half starts.

Schwarber’s Individual Performance and All-Star Lineup Details

From an individual performance standpoint, Schwarber has been a key contributor for the Phillies. He is currently hitting .254/.367/.560 with a .927 OPS and leads the league with 32 home runs. Schwarber finished second in NL MVP voting last year, and his current performance suggests he could be a finalist again this year, despite the widespread expectation that Shohei Ohtani will win the award.

The full batting order for the National League All-Stars has been revealed. Following Schwarber at leadoff, Juan Soto of the New York Mets will play left field and bat second. Freddie Freeman of the Dodgers will play first base and bat third, followed by CJ Abrams, the starting shortstop for the Washington Nationals, batting cleanup.

The fifth spot in the order belongs to another Dodgers player, third baseman Max Muncy. Ozzie Albies of the Atlanta Braves will play second base and bat sixth. After Brandon Marsh in the seventh spot, Andy Pages, a fourth Dodgers player selected by fans, will play center field and bat eighth. Rounding out the order is Drake Baldwin, the second Braves player in the mix, who will be catching.

Philadelphia Hosts All-Star Events and Additional Phillies Representatives

Philadelphia is also serving as the host city for both the Home Run Derby and the MLB All-Star Game this year. Schwarber expressed excitement about the city hosting these events, noting the opportunity for the national stage to witness the energy brought by the local fanbase. He mentioned that seeing the fans’ electricity on a regular basis makes him confident that the atmosphere will be exceptional for the national audience.

Beyond the starters, several other Phillies players have been named to the NL squad as reserves. First baseman Bryce Harper, left-hander Jesús Luzardo, and closer Jhoan Duran will also represent the team, coming off the bench and out of the bullpen. The All-Star Game is scheduled for Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park.

Source: sports.yahoo.com

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World Cup semifinal clash

France and Spain are set to compete in a FIFA World Cup semifinal match in Arlington, Texas. The game will take place at Dallas Stadium. This encounter will determine which team advances to the final.

Both national teams have demonstrated strong performances throughout the tournament. France, led by Kylian Mbappé, secured a 2-0 quarterfinal victory against Morocco. Other key players for France include Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Désiré Doué. The French squad is aiming for a final appearance.

Spain enters the semifinal after a 2-1 win over Belgium in the quarterfinals, with Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute. This marked the first goal conceded by Unai Simón in the tournament, scored by Charles De Ketelaere. Spain‘s journey to the semifinals included victories over Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Austria (3-0), and Portugal (1-0). The win against Portugal saw Merino‘s stoppage-time goal end Cristiano Ronaldo‘s final World Cup run.

The match is anticipated to be a contest between two teams known for their possession-based play. France‘s head coach, Didier Deschamps, has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to face Spain.

Recent tournament history

The upcoming World Cup semifinal is not the first time these two football powerhouses have met in major tournaments. Their most recent clash was in the 2024 Euros semifinal, where Spain defeated France 2-1. In that match, Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo scored for Spain, while Randal Kolo Muani scored for France. Spain went on to win the 2024 Euros by beating England in the final.

Many players from both squads who participated in the 2024 Euros are also part of their respective World Cup teams. Spain had sixteen members from their Euro 2024 winning squad in their current World Cup roster, and France had fifteen players from their Euro 2024 squad join their World Cup team.

In the 2012 Euros quarterfinal, Spain secured a 2-0 victory over France, with both goals scored by Xabi Alonso. Spain subsequently won the 2012 Euros. Another notable encounter was in the 2006 World Cup Round of 16, where France advanced past Spain. Franck Ribéry, Patrick Vieira, and Zinedine Zidane were among the goalscorers for France, while David Villa scored for Spain. France eventually reached the World Cup final that year.

The 2000 Euros quarterfinal also saw France defeat Spain 2-1. Zinedine Zidane and Youri Djorkaeff scored for France, and Gaizka Mendieta scored for Spain. France went on to win the Euro 2000 tournament. In the 1996 Euros group stage, the teams played to a 1-1 draw, with Youri Djorkaeff scoring for France and José Luis Caminero for Spain.

The first major international tournament victory for France occurred in the 1984 Euros final, where they defeated Spain 2-0. Michel Platini and Bruno Bellone were the goalscorers in that match, which saw France win as the host nation.

Viewing information

The World Cup semifinal match between France and Spain will be broadcast on FOX. Streaming options are available through FOX One and FOX Sports. The game is scheduled for Tuesday.

Fans can follow sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter for updates.

Source: foxnews.com

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