Joao Pedro scored a late hat-trick as Chelsea kickstarted the Xabi Alonso win with a thrilling 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.
Chelsea overcame the A-League side in a 10-goal contest to begin their tour of Australia, with Pedro the difference.
Alonso named an inexperienced side for the fixture with only Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong and Liam Delap regulars in the first-team group last season
Alonso's side led inside six minutes through 17-year-old Dastan Satpayev, who has arrived at Chelsea this summer from Kairat Almaty. An end-to-end first half then saw Western Sydney Wanderers turn the game around, before Dario Essugo equalised for Chelsea before half-time.
The action continued after the interval, with Dylan Scicluna scoring for the Australian side and Jamie Gittens levelling once more for Chelsea. Teenager Awan Lual put Western Sydney Wanderers ahead for a third time, only for Pedro's late treble to earn Chelsea the win.

#side

Milford 17, Leominster 0: Nick Pedroli was 3 for 4 with four RBIs and three runs, and pitched four innings and allowed one hit as Post 59 blanked Post 151 in a State Tournament elimination game.
Milford's Gavin Metcalf went 2 for 4 with two RBIs and two runs, Matt Pedroli was 2 for 2 with an RBI and three runs, Josh Bouchard had two hits and three runs, and Joey McGee college two hits, three RBIs and a run.
Pennsylvania 13, Lou Gehrig 5: Aaron Nguyen drove in Colin Dykas to tie the game at one in the bottom of the first and Lou Gehrig took the lead in the second when Joshua Regus was walked in and a sac fly by Dykas gave them a 3-1 lead, but Pennsylvania fired back with three runs in the third and pulled away with eight runs in the seventh as Lou Gehrig's season came to a close in the Junior League East Regional in Dubois, Pa.
Dominic Eilert led Lou Gehrig with three hits, an RBI and two runs.
Bravehearts 10, Spinners 0: Joey Hagen struck out eight and allowed one hit over 5.2 innings and Charlie Hess fanned one and gave up two hits in 1.1 innings as the visiting Bravehearts blanked the Spinners.

#innings #pennsylvania

England international? Tick. Premier League winner? Tick. At least 35 years old? Erm, tick that too. Chelsea's transfer policy has taken a surprising turn this summer, ripped up and rewritten, and it's led the club to the doors of Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck.
Chelsea are working on deals to add both to Xabi Alonso's squad in time for the start of the new season. They have also missed out on other experienced targets such as John Stones, 32, who is set for a move to Inter Milan, and Granit Xhaka, 33, who Sunderland are determined to keep as captain.
It is a stunning departure from one of the most aggressive youth-focused transfer strategies in Premier League history, which has brought waves of potential to Stamford Bridge replete with lavish decade-long contracts. BlueCo have been dogmatic, signing only one player over 25 – defender Tosin Adarabioyo – since the summer of 2023. Last season, Chelsea signed 10 players ranging in age from 18 (Estevao, Kendry Paez) to 23 (Joao Pedro).
Danny Welbeck could be heading to Stamford Bridge (Getty)
It would be wrong to say the transfer policy has been completely flawed. Nurturing young talent and investing in sellable ******* ets is the modus operandi of many well-run clubs. Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo were youthful signings, as were Enzo Fernandez and Wesley Fofana. Estevao and Joao Pedro had excellent debut seasons in an underwhelming Chelsea team.

#transfer #danny #bridge #estevao

Chelsea vs. Western Sydney Wanderers score, result, highlights: Joao Pedro hits hat-trick in chaotic friendly originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Chelsea began their preseason preparations in earnest on Tuesday with a thrilling friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Xabi Alonso's first match in charge of the Blues ended in a 10-goal thriller in which Joao Pedro scored a hat-trick.
The Premier League side trailed their A-League opponents three times before the Brazilian forward struck all three goals in the ****** e of nine minutes to settle the contest.
Chelsea will now continue training Sydney before facing London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Accor Stadium on Saturday.

#joao #pedro #sporting

Liverpool's search for attacking reinforcements continues to dominate the transfer conversation, yet not every reported target has generated universal excitement. During the latest Media Matters podcast for Anfield Index, host Dave Davis was joined by Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele, with much of the discussion centred on Liverpool's pursuit of attacking options and whether Chelsea winger Pedro Neto represents the right fit.
While Bradley Barcola remains Liverpool's priority, the conversation also examined reports linking the Reds with Chelsea's Portugal international. Steele's verdict was measured and refreshingly direct.
Dave Davis referenced reports from Steele's Daily Mail colleague Kieran Gill, noting that Liverpool and Manchester City had both been credited with interest in Chelsea forward Pedro Neto. Davis pointed out that Chelsea "wouldn't allow the winger to leave cheap", especially in a market where the values attached to players such as Bradley Barcola and Yan Diomande have continued to rise.
Steele confirmed the rumours have been circulating for some time.
"He is one of these names that keeps coming round and round."

#davis #daily #mail #barcola

Chelsea will kick off their pre-season schedule on Tuesday with a clash against Australia's Western Sydney Wanderers at the Accor Stadium.
This match signals the start of a new chapter for the club, as Xabi Alonso officially takes charge as head coach. The Blues are effectively starting from scratch after a disappointing 2025/26 Premier League campaign, which saw them finish 10th. With no pre-season matches played so far, Chelsea head into this fixture short on match fitness and overall rhythm, making their Australian opener a challenging starting point.
The squad travelling to Australia is far from full strength, with several important players unavailable.
A number of key names are still recovering after international duty, including Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Pedro Neto, and Enzo Fernández, all of whom featured in the latter stages of the World Cup.
In addition, summer signings Emmanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda have remained in London as they deal with minor injury concerns.

#head #sydney

MADRID, July 23 (Reuters) - Spanish former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said on Thursday that €1.3 million ($1.5 million) of jewellery seized by ‌police as part of an investigation was a personal gift he ‌received years ago and was never intended for financial gain.
Zapatero, who was prime minister from 2004 to 2011 and remains an influential figure in the governing Socialist Party, is under investigation over alleged influence-peddling, accusations he denies. The case is one of a series of corruption scandals affecting the party and piling political pressure on Prime ‌Minister Pedro Sanchez's government.
In his ⁠first interview since being placed under investigation two months ago, Zapatero told Spanish public broadcaster TVE that the jewels found ⁠during a search of his office were "a personal courtesy gift" that had been stored for years with other family valuables.
The jewels were unrelated to his political activities and their origin and handling would be fully explained before a judge, he said. ‌He rejected suggestions they reflected any attempt at personal enrichment.
Investigating Judge Jose Luis Calama opened a separate probe into the jewellery, whose origin remains undocumented, according to investigators. An auction house provisionally valued them at about €1.3 million ($1.5 million), though Zapatero disputes that estimate.

#investigation #personal

The fight game is an unforgiving one.

Per MMA Junkie on Thursday, PFL DC will no longer feature Thad Jean(10-0) vs. ShamilMusaev (18-1-1) in the main attraction. For currentlyundisclosed reasons, Musaev has been forced to withdraw from hiswelterweight championship affair headlining the card at theCareFirst Arena in the U.S. Capitol. In the Russian's stead will beErnestoRodriguez (11-1), who first postedof his change in opponent and vastly elevated stakes on Wednesdaynight—he was expecting to battle AaronMcKenzie—and then fully confirmedthe news shortly after its announcement. Jean did as well shortlythereafter on his InstagramStories.

This is one of numerous cancelations on fight week and earlier, asathletes MagomedUmalatov, JackCartwright, DenisGoltsov, BrunoCappelozza and MandoGutierrez were all booked for this fight card at one time. Dueto a number of largely undeclared reasons—Cappelozza encounteredissues with his visa—all of those combatants and their scheduledpairings have either been canceled or switched around on this cardor to another. For instance, Cappelozza vs. hasbeen **** ped to PFL Charlotte in August. The current PFL DC lineup sees eightmatches remaining, although the promotion has not indicated if anylate-notice fights will be slotted on the billing.

Jean was vying to become the first U.S.-born PFL champion atop thisevent—not including those that won tournaments—and he will stillreceive that honor. "Silverback" comes into this five-rounder withample momentum on his side as the winner of the final PFL tourneyin 2025. There, he knocked out MukhamedBerkhamov, outworked JasonJackson and outperformed LoganStorley in the span of four months to claim a $500,000 checkand chance for PFL gold.

"Starboy" Rodriguez seizes this opportunity having won his PFLdebut in March. Against MasayukiKikuiri, he snagged a majority decision despite dropping whatmany observers felt was a 10-8 third round, completing a bout inwhich all three Sherdog official scorers turned in 28-28 drawtallies. The fighter born in Cuba worked his way up the Tuff-N-Uffladder from 2022 to 2025, culminating in six wins with the LasVegas-based league to reach a major organization.
ThadJean vs. ErnestoRodriguez – welterweight
TysonPedro vs. RafaelXavier – light heavyweight
SullivanCauley vs. RasulMagomedov – light heavyweight
EliezerKubanza vs. Chris Mixan– welterweight
BryceMeredith vs. Michael Cyr– bantamweight
BrandonDavis vs.

#jean #reasons #born

Fluminense remains top of the Brasileirão U-17Credits: LEONARDO BRASIL/ FLUMINENSE FC
Fluminense held onto the top spot in the Brasileirão U-17 with a 2-0 win over Atlético-GO on Wednesday (22) at Marcelo Vieira. Ryan Santos and Leonardo secured the victory for the Tricolor das Laranjeiras, who now have 22 points, three ahead of second-placed Corinthians.
The Rio team's strong campaign is down to its defensive performance. Among the 20 participating teams, Fluminense has the best defense, having conceded just six goals in the nine rounds played so far. Corinthians and Cruzeiro have each let in seven goals, while América-MG and São Paulo have conceded eight. Bahia, meanwhile, has allowed nine.
In attack, Fluminense has scored 20 goals. Corinthians and Palmeiras have netted 27, while Red Bull Bragantino has found the back of the net 22 times.
Flamengo thrashed Santos 4-2 at Luso-Brasileiro and climbed five places, moving from 15th to 10th with 12 points. Luiz Guilherme (2) and João Vitor (2) found the net for the Rubro-Negro side. João Pedro and Miqueias pulled two back for Santos.

#goals #brasileir #points #nine

Ex-Red Sox Ace Joins Pedro Martinez with Rare MLB Record originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Very few pitchers have ever been as good at their peak as Pedro Martinez was.
The Boston Red Sox all-time great was dynamic pretty much from the moment he arrived in MLB, and then he held that level of performance for most of his career.
Another former Red Sox ace can make an intriguing case to be in the conversation when discussing consistent dominance: Chris Sale.
Sale has now made 330 career starts at the MLB level, and he has 2,581 strikeouts and a 2.99 ERA.

#record

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is not part of the 35-man squad travelling for Spurs’ pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium club are expected to sell the Italian, but he was dropped from Roberto De Zerbi’s squad due to a knock. Spurs confirmed on their website that Vicario sustained a minor knock in training and will undergo treatment at their training centre. Summer signing Martin Dubravka, Brandon Austin and Antonin Kinsky are the goalkeeping options available to De Zerbi on tour.
Tottenham are also without Mohamed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odobert. The quartet have stayed behind at Hotspur Way to continue their rehabilitation following knocks from last term. Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Pedro Porro, Marcos Senesi, Cristian Romero and Djed Spence remain on extended break due to their participation at the just-concluded World Cup. Spurs play Auckland FC and Sydney FC later this month before facing Chelsea next month.
They return to London to take on Getafe and TSG Hoffenheim before starting the 2026-27 Premier League season with a trip to Brentford on August 22nd.

#TOTTENHAM #hotspur #knock

Spurs have announced the squad for their pre-season trip to Australia.
Tottenham will face Auckland, Sydney and Chelsea on their pre-season tour, but several players will not play a part, however.
Mohamed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Guglielmo Vicario, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Pedro Porro, Marcos Senesi, Cristian Romero and Djed Spence will all not make the trip.
Stay up to date with all the latest Spurs news by joining our Tottenham WhatsApp channel.
“Mohamed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odobert will remain at Hotspur Way to continue their rehabilitation, while Guglielmo Vicario has sustained a minor knock in training and will undergo treatment at our Training Centre,” Spurs said in a statement.

#SPURS #mohamed #kudus #simons

Flamengo remain in pursuit of the top spot in the Brazilian Championship.
Even away from home, the Rubro-Negro beat Chapecoense this Wednesday (22) without much difficulty.
Pedro was the star of the night, scoring two goals (the first a stunning strike) and delivering a great pass in the move that led to the third goal of the match.
The performance made the Flamengo forward the top scorer in the Brasileirão, with 12 goals, one more than Athletico-PR’s Kevin Viveros.
Lorran came on in the first half, replacing the injured Gonzalo Plata, and also found the net.

#brazilian #championship #chapecoense

Tottenham Hotspur began their preseason campaign with a win in a behind-closed-doors friendly against League One side MK Dons at the Tottenham Hotspur training ground.
With several players missing due to the recently completed World Cup, a mix of youth and experience was on display as Roberto De Zerbi heavily rotated his side each half. New signings Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, and Martin Dubravka made their debuts, and it was the former who was the difference, with his stunning strike the lone goal in a scrappy encounter.
Here's my top ten talking points from Spurs' first outing under Thomas Frank.
Spurs' first friendly was as notable for who was missing as much as who was named. With the World Cup only recently wrapping up in the Americas, it was obviously much too soon to see the likes of Djed Spence, Pedro Porro, Marcos Senesi, or Cristian Romero; but other players involved in the World Cup also weren't involved. Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Sarr, and Andy Robertson were all missing due to enforced leave following their international duties.
This meant limited learnings as to how the squad will shape up when the season kicked off, and also raises questions as to who will be available for the tour to Australia and New Zealand. An additional point of concern was the absence of James Maddison, who had no such international commitments and who made his return from an ACL injury towards the end of last season. The fact he did not see the pitch is concerning given his injury history. It's a similar situation as well for promising young defender Jun'ai Byfield, also missing the end of the season with injury and not sighted today.

#World #friendly

A trio of players from the first-team ranks at La Liga giants Real Madrid have been afforded places in the official Team of the Tournament for the 2026 World Cup.
The latest edition of the biggest showcase in international football was of course brought to a close this past weekend.
When all was said and done following a summer packed with goals, quality and memorable moments, it was Spain who emerged triumphant courtesy of an extra-time victory over Argentina.
Three members of Luis de la Fuente's squad, in turn, have been named in FIFA's Team of the Tournament, namely Pedro Porro, Rodri, and Real Madrid's Marc Cucurella.
Moving further up the pitch, Blancos standout Jude Bellingham is also recognised for his efforts, with teammate and Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappé joining Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland in a star-studded front three.

#team #tournament

A deal appears to have paved the way for Pedro Neto to move from Chelsea to Liverpool. It's there to be done.
Are Liverpool about to steal Pedro Neto from Chelsea? It seems like there's a genuine chance of it.
Anfield Index reported at the start of the month that there was legitimate interest from Liverpool. That's interest that dates back some time, when Neto caught the eye as a 21-year-old at Wolves.
And there's certainly a need for a new winger at Anfield. Mohamed Salah's exit created that - though, you can argue that there already was a need and that Victor Munoz was never going to be enough to fix the issue on his own.
Neto, then, is an interesting proposition and the Athletic reports that Chelsea are in fact open to a sale. They'd want over €50m in order to agree to one but the Portugal star isn't on their 'not to be sold' list.

#Chelsea #anfield #need #mohamed

It's been quite a memorable few weeks in the life of Liverpool winger Victor Munoz, and the high point might only be a handful of days away.
Having been called up to the Spain squad for the World Cup despite only making his debut in March, the 23-year-old also joined the Reds from Osasuna, and in four days' time he could be a world champion.
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La Roja are one win away from being simultaneous European and world champions after they defeated France 2-0 on Tuesday night, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro securing their place in Sunday's final.
If Spain are victorious against Argentina or England next weekend and Munoz gets on the pitch, he'll become just the third man to play in a World Cup final for the eventual champions, matching the feat of Roger Hunt (England in 1966) and Fernando Torres (Spain in 2010).

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its final week, and Spain have now become the first team to book their place in the final.
La Roja beat France 2-0 in Arlington, producing one of the most controlled performances of the knockout stages.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute before Pedro Porro added the second in the 58th minute after a clever Dani Olmo pass.
France had enough attacking firepower to make the game interesting, but not enough precision to truly hurt Spain.
From a Real Madrid perspective, it was a night of mixed emotions.

Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot's 2026 World Cup journey with France has come to an end at the semi-final stage, as Les Bleus were defeated 2–0 by Spain in Dallas. Maignan played the full 90 minutes, beaten in the first half by an Oyarzabal penalty and in the second by Pedro Porro; Rabiot played 45 minutes before being replaced by Koné at half time. France will still play one more match in the tournament: the third-place playoff against either England or Argentina.
Match kits, clothing, accessories, gift ideas and much more: visit the AC Milan online Store!

So, in a state with a history of Spanish conquest, history could be repeating itself for Spain. As in Euro 2024, they beat France in a semi-final. As in 2010, they could follow victory in the European Championships by doing the double, by adding a World Cup. Deep in the heart of Texas, Luis de la Fuente's side took a sizeable step towards greatness.
Didier Deschamps had ****** ounced them as the favourites to win the World Cup. It turns out that was not just kidology. As the France manager's epic reign came in effect to an end, it was without a second World Cup or a third consecutive final. Kylian Mbappe may yet go on to become the greatest World Cup goalscorer and player; but not yet, not in Dallas, not now.
Instead, he was outscored on the day by Mikel Oyarzabal, the unheralded striker whose goal decided Euro 2024 and who set Spain towards a still greater triumph. The Real Sociedad captain had an unlikely ally. Pedro Porro, fresh from a Premier League relegation battle with Tottenham, scored a goal to take his side into a World Cup final. But Spain need no reminding that defenders can chip in: their previous World Cup semi-final victory, 16 years ago, came courtesy of Carles Puyol. Watching on, he must have remembered; so, surely, did Sergio Ramos and Xavi, alongside him.
De la Fuente's team are less defined by tiki-taka but they nevertheless prospered by exerting control. They are borrowing from the 2010 formula, global domination secured by reigning European champions who were immune to conceding.
An almost impenetrable defence has been breached only by Belgium's Charles de Ketelaere. France, with their previously fabulous front four, were supposed to provide the stiffest test. But they were not the unstoppable force: not when pitted against the immovable object of the Spanish rearguard. After 35 minutes, France had an xG of 0.01. By the interval, it had crept up to 0.04. The numbers showed how negligible their threat was.

France's dream of a third straight World Cup final is over after a 2-0 loss to Spain in Tuesday's semi-final. Dayot Upamecano played the full 90 minutes in Dallas, while Michael Olise lasted 72 minutes as the Bayern duo were unable to prevent defeat.
Mikel Oyarzabal's penalty put Spain ahead after 22 minutes. Pedro Porro then doubled the advantage just before the hour. France struggled to find their flow in attack and create any meaningful chances.
However, the World Cup isn't over for Les Bleus, who will play the third-place play-off in Miami on Saturday (23:00 CEST) against the loser of Wednesday's second semi-final between England and Argentina.
Follow FC Bayern's players at World Cup 2026

Spain are within touching distance of glory. Luis de la Fuente's side beat France convincingly 2-0 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington and booked their place in the 2026 World Cup final after a display of character, footballing quality and competitive maturity.
La Roja once again got the better of one of the main favourites for the ******* le in a hugely demanding match. France tried to set the tempo early on, but Spain soon took control of possession and the midfield. Lamine Yamal's pace proved decisive in breaking the deadlock: the winger won a penalty after a challenge from Lucas Digne and Mikel Oyarzabal made no mistake from the spot to put Spain ahead before half-time.
With the advantage on the scoreboard, the Spanish team showedthe composure that has been the hallmark of their whole campaign**.** Rodri and Fabián Ruiz ran the show in the middle of the park, while an impeccably disciplined defence neutralised Mbappé and France's powerful attacking unit. France tried to react after the interval but ran into a consistently solid Spain side, leaving keeper Unai Simón virtually untested.
The decisive blow came in the second half, when Dani Olmo threaded a superb pass into the path of Pedro Porro, who surged forward from full-back with a striker's instinct to beat Mike Maignan and make it 2-0, leaving the reigning World Cup runners-up reeling.
The changes made by Didier Deschamps failed to alter the script. Spain managed their lead intelligently, moved the ball patiently and barely allowed chances to a subdued France, unable to find ******* e against the tactical discipline of De la Fuente's side.

Tottenham's Pedro Porro scored the second goal to seal a 2-0 win and send Spain through to the World Cup final with a convincing semi-final victory over favourites France at Dallas Stadium.
Luis de la Fuente's side blunted a France team brimming with attacking talent, controlled a game of few chances and will deservedly take their place in Sunday's showpiece thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.
Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot midway through the first half after a lapse from France left-back Lucas Digne resulted in him giving forward Lamine Yamal an unceremonious wallop as he tried to clear the ball.
The spot-kick was confidently thumped into the corner by Oyarzabal and with a lead to defend, Spain's control of the match only grew.
After a below-par first-half, France were expected to come out fighting but it was an increasingly confident Spain who seized the upper hand once more as Porro played a lovely one-two with Dani Olmo before slotting in the second at the near post.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been one of the stars of this summer’s World Cup. The Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder has returned to his dominant best and has played a key role in Spain’s progression to the final of the 2026 World Cup. Spain booked their place in the final of the tournament with a dominant 2-0 win over tournament favourites France overnight. Rodri put in a masterful display in midfield to help Spain beat a powerful French outfit. In the process, Rodri’s performance against France was a reminder that Manchester City must extend his contract with the club.
The midfield battle loomed as the decisive factor in Spain’s World Cup semi-final against France. With Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise starting for France, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot started in midfield for Didier Deschamps’ side. In midfield, Spain started Rodri and Fabiàn Ruiz in midfield with Dani Olmo also dropping into midfield.
Simply put, France were overmatched in midfield. A first-half penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal and a second-half strike from Pedro Porro would seal a 2-0 win for Spain. As would an outstanding performance from every Spanish player on the pitch. At the heart of it all was Rodri, who was absolutely brilliant in midfield.
Rodri was at his imperious best in last night’s World Cup semi-final. He dictated the tempo of last night’s match with support from Fabiàn Ruiz and his teammates. Manchester City’s midfield general covered the pitch exceptionally well, routinely snuffing out the threat of the French. Rodri’s ability to read the game and contain any danger was superb. In possession, Rodri was his composed self as the occasion never phased him.
Rodri’s performance last night was reminiscent of his best displays for Manchester City. He has rightly earned the plaudits that his performance deserved. If anything, Rodri’s display was a reminder that he remains by far and away the best number six in world football by some distance.

Lamine Yamal and Spain are through to the finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a highly anticipated semifinal matchup between Spain and France, it was Lamine Yamal’s side who ended up victorious.
Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro netted two goals to give the Spaniards a memorable 2-0 win over the World Cup favorites as the French were unable to find a way to beat Spain’s defense.
The 2-0 win over France marked Spain’s 37th consecutive game where the team either won or drew the game in all competitions.
According to OptaJoe on X, this win has helped the 2010 World Cup champs equal Italy’s unbeaten record from 2018 to 2021.

Spain has been dreadfully boring for most of this World Cup.
At times, there was a lack of urgency. At others, a lack of creativity. However, at no point did the squad lack talent or skill and Luis de la Fuente knew exactly when he needed to let his boys loose.
Against France, Spain followed De La Fuente’s game plan and choked out France’s incredible attacking group. Dominant in the midfield, Spain strangled the imagination from France by not giving Michael Olise an inch to work with — so much so that the Bayern Munich star retreated to the wide areas.
Rodri and Fabián Ruiz were stellar in controlling the tempo of the match and seemingly being in every passing lane that France tried to use.
Aside of taking Olise out of the game, Pau Cubarsi (the best young player of this tournament bar none), Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella, and Pedro Porro made life ******* for Kylian Mbappé, who lost more of his swagger by the minute in the game. Mbappé seemed to get more befuddled by what was going on and seemed to not accept that his team was being beaten…soundly.

France had dazzled at the World Cup but it was to no avail as a semi-final defeat against Spain on Bastille Day means they will miss the desired ***** le and with it a perfect send-off for their departing coach Ddier Deschamps.
A penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal in the 22nd minute and Pedro Porro in the 58th minute clinched a third straight tournament semi-final win for La Roja over Les Bleus, after Euro 2024 and the 2025 Nations League.
Led by eight-time scorer Kylian Mbappé, the France attack which had scored 16 goals on their way into the last four never got rolling but also faced a formidable opponent in the Spanish who have only conceded once at the tournaments.
Mbappé had their first and biggest chance in the 67th minute but his shot was just deflected wide by Marc Cucurella. Désiré Doué hesitated when Spain keeper Unai Simón was out of his goal and the only noteworthy moment of ***** ist king Michael Olie was a rather reckless challenge against Rodri.
For Deschamps, is was a mixture of unusual mistakes by his players and Spain's class.

July 14 (UPI) -- Spain defenders made France's previously potent attack appear pedestrian, shutting out the World Cup favorites Tuesday to advance to the 2026 finale.
Forward Mikel Oyarzabal and defender Pedro Porro found the net in the 2-0 triumph in Arlington, Texas. Spain goalie Unai Simon logged three saves to become the first goalie in World Cup history to secure six clean sheets in the same tournament.
"Today, we were facing the one of the best squads in the world," Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said on the Fox broadcast. "But in front of them, they faced the best team in the world.
"That's the difference. That's a big plus. These players deserve everything."
The top-ranked Spaniards will meet No. 3 Argentina, the defending champions, or No. 4 England in the 2026 World Cup Final at 3 p.m. EDT Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.

Spain's defender #12 Pedro Porro celebrates after his team won the semi-final match against France, securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup final.

Spain has been dreadfully boring for most of this World Cup.
At times, there was a lack of urgency. At others, a lack of creativity. However, at no point did the squad lack talent or skill and Luis de la Fuente knew exactly when he needed to let his boys loose.
Against France, Spain followed De la Fuente’s game plan and choked out France’s incredible attacking group. Dominant in the midfield, Spain strangled the imagination from France by not giving Michael Olise an inch to work with — so much so that the Bayern Munich star retreated to the wide areas.
Rodri and Fabián Ruiz were stellar in controlling the tempo of the match and seemingly being in every passing lane that France tried to use.
Aside of taking Olise out of the game, Pau Cubarsi (the best young player of this tournament bar none), Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella, and Pedro Porro made life ******* for Kylian Mbappé, who lost more of his swagger by the minute in the game. Mbappé seemed to get more befuddled by what was going on and seemed to not accept that his team was being beaten…soundly.