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| Bellingham the saviour sends England to another World Cup semi-final |
| Posted on Sunday, July 12 @ 00:01:14 PDT (12 reads) | |
|
Bellingham the saviour sends england to another world cup semi-final
jude bellingham is shaping this world cup to his will. Great players do that. He is one of them.
two more goals from this incredible young man, the second in extra-time, earned england a place in the semi-finals, eventually overcoming a norway side that had threatened to overwhelm them in the searing miami heat.
and when the heat is on, bellingham delivers. It felt almost emotional that his second goal came after a 20-yard shot from his friend, his lifelong friend, morgan rogers was spilt. Bellingham pounced.
it is six goals now for him at the world cup, the same as harry kane, but he is now even surpassing the england captain in importance. The next question is obvious: where would england be without him?
with him they are in the last four while if they win their semi-final and overcome either france or spain in the final next sunday he will certainly be named player of the tournament.
more follows
01:30am
and finally, harry kane speaks to itv sport
01:26am
a closer look at bellingham’s first goal
01:22am
here’s that tuchel interview
01:18am
tuchel’s standards could be ramseyesque
for all that tuchel seemed slightly wrongfooted by the mention of “mentality”, his scathing comments about england’s performance are remarkable. This is only england’s fourth semi-final in world cup history, and yet the head coach seems far from content. Such sky-high standards could yet be a happy portent.
01:17am
england will play argentina or switzerland
in atlanta on wednesday night at 8pm. You can follow the fourth quarter-final here.
01:07am
gabriel clarke held his ground well with tuchel
but the manager was livid. I think he misinterpreted the ‘mentality’ question and that wound him up even more. When asked about bellingham’s performance he said: “enough said. He does it every single match. World class.”
01:00am
england player ratings vs norway:
jordan pickford disappoints but dream stays alive. Click here to read…
01:00am
jude bellingham speaks to itv sport
character, perseverance when things weren’t working. Whether it’s 90, 120, we get the job done. Every one who came on smashed it. Credit to everyone. It was a huge shift.
i’ve scored loads of those kind of goals to be fair. The keeper had a worldie but it just popped up.
warriors, all who came on. You don’t know how much heart and mentality they have until you get into these positions.
all the players put in a great shift. [The manager isn’t happy]. Whatever. It’s tough out there.
12:55am
thomas tuchel speaks to itv sport
i never talked about suffering. We made lives very difficult for ourselves. The commitment is there but we made life very difficult for ourselves, too many mistakes, i’m not happy with the performance, in every sense. The commitment is there but we made life very difficult for us in the way we played. It was sloppy, a lot of technical mistakes. Not fast enough, not repetitive enough. We were lucky today
no, it’s not a mentality problem. It is pure mentality. You can bottle it and sell it. The quality is the problem.
we will get better. We need to get better. Let’s take it all in. We celebrate now. We need a better performance.
12:53am
cult hero
there is a habit in us sports of celebrating every decisive ‘play’ and dan burn channels that spirit with his final clearing header, celebrating wildly as the ball goes out of play to seal the game. And quite rightly. Semi-finals: a huge moment for the entire nation.
12:52am
carra’s verdict
every game it’s either kane or bellingham to the rescue. Again, it hasn’t been thoroughly convincing – there is a lot to work on to get past argentina and france if they are next on the agenda – but with those two you always have a chance.
12:51am
three lions is played over the pa
wonderwallto come when england’s players go to their fans.
there were so many things wrong with this performance but they are there. They really do seem to fight like hell for each other. They need to improve but mission accomplished.
12:48am
full-time: norway 1 england 2
they did it. They scrapped and scrapped and the world-class talent of jude bellingham allied with the tenacity and heart of his team-mates push england though to their fourth world cup semi and second in three tournaments.
12:47am
120+2 min: norway 1 england 2
eze gives the ball away by overrunning it but spence wins it back with a very forceful tackle and then burn makes a towering headed clearance and that’s it.
into the semi-finals.
12:45am
120+1 min: norway 1 england 2
norway, pooped, try one last attack but knock a straightforward pass into touch. Aursnes, i think.
12:45am
120 min: norway 1 england 2
spence’s tenacity earns england a throw-in as the board goes up for two more minutes of stoppage time.
rogers heads for the corner.
12:44am
118 min: norway 1 england 2
nusa is caught offside… except he wasn’t. England take their time over the free-kick.
kane hams up the pain of being bumped by ajer as he goes up for a header from the long free-kick.
12:43am
116 min: norway 1 england 2
bodo/glimt’s patrick berg is a very good player. There must be a raft of suitors.
norway free-kick for a foul on berrg. Norway swing the cross into the box. Pickford, like he did a the azteca, comes out to punch and collides with rogers. The impact wipes him out. The ref blows the whistle but it wasn’t a foul. It was so-called friendly fire and norway, rightly, go spare with him, particularly that his remedy for the restart is a drop ball on halfway.
12:40am
114 min: norway 1 england 2
nusa’s raking shot from the left is turned behind by, i think, burn. From the norway corner, their fifth, bobb rattles a shot with his left over the bar.
12:38am
112 min: norway 1 england 2
bellingham cannot continue. He walks off to thunderous applause.
burn ? Bellingham.
england formation changes again - perhaps for the last time. Tuchel has gone full azteca with dan burn at the centre of a back five. Bellingham off and its a 4-5-1 for england to try to see this one out.
hey jude ringing round the stadium as haaland goes off. England fans are starting to dream of atlanta...
12:36am
110 min: norway 1 england 2
double save from nyland denies spence and saka.
saka had waltzed in from the right to shoot with his left, tamely. Nyland saves easily, tries to clear but spence intercepts, cuts in on the left to hammer a shot with his right that nyland dives headlong to save at the right post, parrying it out to saka who thumps the rebound straight into nyland’s face. A custard pie slap. But a vital save.
12:33am
108 min: norway 1 england 2
neat triangle between berge, bobb and berg in the inside-right sets up patrick berg to hammer a 20-yard shot that flies over the crossbar but only just.
brilliant clearance from john stones, but he seems to have pulled a muscle doing so.
burn is still standing, ready to come on.
12:31am
106 min: norway 1 england 2
nusa fizzes over a left-foot cross that looked very dangerous but stones reads it and pumps it away on the volley. Bellingham shields the ball and buys a foul.
12:29am
erling haaland’s race is run
norway withdraw their centre-forward – england halted his 14-match scoring run. He is replaced by jorgen strand larsen.
12:27am
half-time of extra time
i agree with the decision to overturn the penalty. It didn’t feel like it was at the time.
12:25am
105+3 min: norway 1 england 2
bellingham wafts a right-foot shot from 18 yards over the bar after saka and james feigned to work the overlap and then saka funnelled the ball inside.
12:24am
105+2 min: norway 1 england 2
burn is ready to come on which would mean a switch to five at the back and a nation’s fingernails being put in mortal danger.
12:23am
105+1 min: norway 1 england 2
three more minutes of stoppage time because of the var review.
12:22am
105 min: norway 1 england 2
guehi throws his body in the way of nusa’s shot from the right of the d and norway have another corner. Stones gets on his pogo stick to soar above everyone and head it away.
erling haaland’s father alfie was caught on camera giving his thoughts on the spence penalty incident. He made the diving gesture, before flicking the vs. Charming.
12:21am
103 min: norway 1 england 2
bellingham’s second goal went down well.
12:20am
102 min: norway 1 england 2
i’m not saying it was definitely a penalty but it was given and there was contact. By the laws as they stand, that should be enough.
12:19am
no penalty
another one that was not a clear and obvious error that was overturned. The whole conceit of var is stupid. It’s wholly illogical and should go in the bin.
12:18am
the ref is told to have another look
he goes over to the monitor.
12:17am
spence hung out a leg and bobb ran into it
did spence engineer that? Itv’s resident expert, christina unkel, thinks it should be overturned.
12:16am
england penalty!
spence dribbles into the box from the left and is tripped!
12:16am
95 min: norway 1 england 2
that was classic scavenging from bellingham. There are times when he’s a predator but he’s so good at both.
just a bit of possession and calm, and england make a goal. They have had so little of the ball in those long periods since half-time. Saka even in third gear made the original opening. If he could get in the norway area and start committing defenders that would make a big difference.
12:14am
cometh the hour…
has any english player ever had an impact across an entire international tournament like bellingham at this world cup?
12:10amvideo • goals
goal!
norway 1 england 2 (bellingham) like spain’s winner last night. A player – rogers tonight, cubarsi last night – has a dig from 20 yards and the goalie spills the shot. Bellingham beats ostigard to the rebound and smacks it past the keeper.
12:10am
92 min: norway 1 england 1
saka faces up pedersen and runs the left-back who puts the ball behind for a corner.
12:08am
91 min: norway 1 england 1
ostigard ? Heggem.
england can make one more sub.Tuchel will need to keep toney up his sleeve for a shootout i’d hazard so won’t do anything until he has to.
a thoroughly gruelling watch. England have been torpid for much of the match, save for that fleeting burst at the end of the first half. Nothing they are doing is hurting norway, who have a master orchestrator in odegaard. There is imbalance in their set-up and alarming fatigue in their demeanour.
12:03am
end of normal time: norway 1 england 1
the game has been on a knife edge all half. Norway have made the better chances. England look tired. England need more from eze and could do with some rogers magic to help out a plainly exasperated and all but exhausted bellingham.
survival of the fittest now. It’s become very messy. Tuchel has to keep reacting to norway, tweaking the formation and personnel. England have more quality across the pitch, but while the start of the game looked like a mismatch between the starting xis, now it’s 50-50 after the substitutions.
12:01am
90+7 min: norway 1 england 1
heggem accidentally stands on the back of bellingham’s ankle as he was being pressed. Bellinghma thinks it should be reviewed by var but the referee and his pals in the bunker do not agree.
11:59pm
90+6 min: norway 1 england 1
heggem finally comes back on as james holds off nusa to earn england a throw-in.
11:58pm
90+4 min: norway 1 england 1
england take the throw short and work it all the way over to the left. Eze decides not to cross and england work it back over to the right. Stones finally swings over a cross that bellingham glances past the far post. Kane says his shirt was being pulled but no ref would have given a penalty for that.
11:56pm
90+3 min: norway 1 england 1
rogers bullies a throw-in out of heggem by refusing to stop when the centre-back hit the floor. The throw-in is parallel with the penalty spot on the england right. Heggem takes some time to treat his own cramp.
11:54pm
90+1 min: norway 1 england 1
spence chases a seemingly lost cause up the inside-left and blindsides nyland when he tries to clear, blocking his clearance which could so easily have rebounded into the open goal but spun away.
11:53pm
90 min: norway 1 england 1
konsa had to go off. He had run himself to a standstill. Pickford punches away aursnes’ cross. Seven minutes of stoppage time to come.
11:52pm
89 min: norway 1 england 1
kane is penalised for shoving aursnes at the corner.
rogers ? Konsa.
james to right-back.
pedersen ? Moller wolfe.
11:50pm
86 min: norway 1 england 1
spence ? O’reilly.
stones chips a long diagonal to the left for eze who controls by leaping off the ground. England work the ball out to the right via eze, anderson and bellingham to saka who stabs a right-foot cross through the six-yard box. Aursnes steals ahead of kane and eze to poke it out for a corner on the right.
11:48pm
85 min: norway 1 england 1
konsa and saka combine to stop the dribbling nusa as he drove into the box. But england cannot clear their lines and norway calmly work it back across to nusa who cuts into the box from the left on to his right to shoot tamely at pickford who flops forward to catch it.
11:46pm
84 min: norway 1 england 1
djed spence is posied to be england’s fourth substitute.
11:45pm
84 min: norway 1 england 1
kane heads the corner back to the taker berg who passes to odegaard and the captain chips it over nusa and out for a goal-kick.
11:44pm
83 min: norway 1 england 1
nusa runs at saka who shows him down the line then blocks the cross behind for a corner.
11:44pm
81 min: norway 1 england 1
bobb runs at o’reilly, stops, starts, stops, lollipops a couple of stepovers then hits his cross at guehi who heads it out of the box.
this is worryingly ragged from england. O’reilly and anderson blame each other for the chasm of space left between them en route to oscar bobb’s chance. Tuchel is shaking his head on the touchline, desperate for his substitutes to provide a spark.
11:42pm
on the introduction of james
tuchel had to make a change because england lost control of the game. Odegaard has been running it. It meant sacrificing gordon, who alongside bellingham was the brightest player. He had to get bellingham further upfield, and he could have taken eze off. England are now lucky to still be level.
11:41pm
79 min: norway 1 england 1
now england have a spell of probing and saka cuts in from the right on to his left to waft a cross towards the back post. Norway retreat and anderson can’t get past one of them to reach it before it skids behind.
11:40pm
77 min: norway 1 england 1
england survive by the skin of their teeth from the corner. Pickford punches the cross out to the right aursnes stands another cross up and ajer plants a header into the heart of the crossbar. Konsa holds off haaland who lashes his follow-up into the side-netting.
11:37pm
75 min: norway 1 england 1
o’reilly makes a vital tackle on bobb in the box when the fulham winger was jitterbugging in from the right. Guehi was caught by haaland’s studs in the build-up but the referee allowed the move to continue.
guehi and konsa then win headers in the box as nusa and bobb have another go at picking out haaland. Saka bundles it behind for a corner.
11:35pm
73 min: norway 1 england 1
eze is on the left and james as the holding midfielder in a double pivot with anderson.
james has come on and looks to be playing in the centre of midfield. It’s his first appearance since the ghana game and tuchel clearly wants more control in midfield.
11:34pm
71 min: norway 1 england 1
is that five at the back or will james go into midfield? He’s in midfield and almost gives the ball away with his first touch.
11:33pm
68 min: norway 1 england 1
second drinks break.
norway will replace both wide men:
nusa ? Schjelderupbobb ? Sorloth.
and england will make a third change:
james ? Gordon.
11:30pm
66 min: norway 1 england 1
anderson snaps into a tackle on schjelderup on the england right and passes crossfield to gordon. The left winger lines up aursnes then bursts into a sprint that takes him easily past the sub right-back to make the byline and stand up a deep cross that just won’t fall properly for kane at the back post as he waits. Heggem tidies up.
11:27pm
64 min: norway 1 england 1
norway have been pressing much more this half. England try to bypass it with a 70-yard ball over the top foer gordon down the left but the ball skips on and goes behind for a goal-kick.
my experience of playing with scandinavian footballers is that they are among the fittest. Who has the stamina to get over the line here? Norway look stronger now than at the start of the game.
11:26pm
62 min: norway 1 england 1
all norway at the moment who spend time playing at walking pace before accelerating down the flanks.
11:23pmvideo
59 min: norway 1 england 1
england reprieved. But red warning lights are flashing everywhere for england, with pickford’s radar looking utterly scrambled. He is repeatedly falling prey to an abundance of caution after his suspect positioning for schjelderup’s goal. Two corners in a row come from shots he had no need to save, and the third seems to have allowed torbjorn heggem to re-establish norway’s lead, before the goal is ruled out for haaland’s shove on anderson.
11:22pm
58 min: norway 1 england 1
kane manages to win the defensive header at the corner but bellingham, as he tried to break, is tackled by schjelderup and the ball rebounds off the england man and out for a norway throw-in.
ryerson sits down and says he can’t go on.
aursnes ? Ryerson.
11:20pm
the foul was before the ball ws in play
hence the corner will be retaken. Heggem had slotted in berg’s deflected shot at the back post. England all over the shop defending three corners in a row. Here comes a fourth.
11:19pm
var asks the ref to go to the monitor
it was a big push. Surely he has to disallow it.
11:18pm
goal!
norway 2 england 1 (heggem) var check for a shove by haaland on anderson.
11:17pm
54 min: norway 1 england 1
one corner brings another when haaland’s header is turned behind. The second one is flicked behind for a third by kane after england let it come through the six-yard box.
11:16pm
54 min: norway 1 england 1
berg exploits eze’s doziness in midfield to run off his man and play sorloth down the right. His cross is sliced and swerves towards the near post. Pickford tips it over to be sure.
11:15pm
53 min: norway 1 england 1
eze pounces on haaland’s miscontrol on halfway to send saka down the right who chops inside on to his left but sends his cross into no man’s land at the edge of the box. Norway clear.
11:13pm
51 min: norway 1 england 1
bellingham diddles sorloth on the england left with quick feet and immaculate control. But norway successfully flood back to squeeze and stop england’s progress.
11:12pm
50 min: norway 1 england 1
saka sticks to the advancing moller wolfe like glue and earns england a throw-in.
11:11pm
48 min: norway 1 england 1
eze fires the free-kick and strikes gordon who was standing on the edge of the wall. I would have thought mainoo would have been better playing alongside anderson and let bellingfhan do whatever he likes. He can’t do that with eze on the pitch.
11:09pm
46 min: norway 1 england 1
england have an early free-kick on the left, about 22 yards out for a trip on gordon. Eze stands over it.
stale solbakken’s horror at england’s equaliser was such that he hurled his water bottle straight back into the dugout, somehow firing it into his assistant’s left foot.
11:07pm
england make two changes
saka ? Maduekeeze ? Rice.
there’s a rationing of gooners. Two on, two off.
11:06pm
norway’s complaints
back on the spider-cam complaints. There is a suggestion that norway felt the ball hit one of the wires of the spider-cam before it got to anderson ahead of the build up to bellingham’s goal. That’s a new one on me.
11:03pm
bellingham’s goal
11:01pm
from the archive
meet andreas schjelderup: europe’s ‘other’ norwegian goal-machine
the premier league is not the only place where a young norwegian is topping the goalscoring charts after a stunning start to the season. There had been murmurings over the next big talent to come from scandinavia and andreas schjelderup has started to live up to the billing.
barely old enough to get a drivers’ licence, schjelderup has scored nine goals for nordsjaelland in the danish superliga, leading to europe’s biggest clubs sending their scouts to watch him including those from england. They believe there could be another talent emerging from norway following erling haaland’s rise.
schjelderup describes haaland as an inspiration to his native norway and their young players. The 18-year-old had trials at liverpool and tottenham before deciding on his move to denmark but has ambitions on returning to england eventually.
10:58pm
carra’s half-time verdict
your best players get you out of jail. England looked poor after conceding, and norway were growing. Not for the first time, the inspiration comes from bellingham. He is starting to look like the player of the tournament.
unsurprisingly, a winger – gordon – is involved in the build-up to the goal. Nothing is coming from the other flank. I think saka has to come on very quickly in the second half. That’s where the game can be won for england.
10:53pm
half-time: norway 1 england 1
phew! England were the better side until the hydration break but with no penetration. They wobbled alarmingly for the 15 minutes after it, conceded and now have the game by the scruff of its neck again. Rice looks utterly knackered. There’s a case for mainoo very soon.
10:51pm
45+3 min: norway 1 england 1
kane chips the goalie who went down at the right post but he had been six inches offside when found by bellingham’s dinked pass.
norway goalkeeper orjan nyland seemed to be complaining to referee clement turpin that the spider camera had been in his vision when bellingham scored his goal. I don’t think he’d had saved it in any case, but nyland was certainly unhappy about it.
norway manager stale solbakken also went over to turpin at half-time and seemed to be pointing upwards towards the spider camera.
10:48pmvideo • goals
goal!
norway 1 england 1 (bellingham) it’s that man again. Anderson passes to gordon who shapes to drive to the byline but chops it back with his left foot as he made the 18-yard line then sprayed a pass to bellingham by the left of the d. He takes a touch, drives past heggem in a semi-circular path and then fires his shot across nyland and into the bottom right corner.
10:47pm
45 min: norway 1 england 0
four minutes of stoppage time to come. Madueke gets to the byline and earns a corner from his driven cross. Rice again fails to get it into the box.
10:46pm
44 min: norway 1 england 0
england are left virtually naked at the back when they lose the ball and berg frees sorloth down the right. He has haaland in support and, having made it as far as the 18-yard line, only has to square it but he takes a touch, cuts in on his left as haaland protests and hammers a shot into stones.
erling haaland looks at alexander sorloth with thinly-veiled disgust for his failure to pass to him in that norwegian breakaway. He seemed to be in perfect position.
10:45pm
42 min: norway 1 england 0
haaland fights both guehi and stones for odegaard’s pass and beats them both, winning a throw-in.
i’m sitting next to a norwegian journalist. I haven’t understood a word she has said until the goal went in and she said ‘what the f---?’ Indeed.
10:44pm
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40 min: norway 1 england 0
england are reeling now and allow sorloth to come in off the right too easily to smash a volley over the bar then make a mess of playing out from the back to let norway counter at pace and odegaard rifle a shot, a daisycutter from 25 yards that pickford fumbles but retrieves in the nick of time.
10:36pmvideo • goals
goal!
norway 1 england 0 (schjelderup) what a goal! Looks like a cross from the left for haaland at the back post but somehow he contrives to spear it into the top right corner, in off the post. Kane and england claim he was fouled in the build-up by berg but the referee allowed play to continue and the var agrees with him. England switched off as soon as kane hit the deck.
something very wrong with how pickford addressed that. Did he think it was going over? He didn’t seem to commit to the save.
it’s so easy for the england players in possession when you consider this is a world cup quarter-final, but they have not created a chance. That was a problem in the final two group games and against dr congo. It’s a big worry, especially having conceding that goal. It’s a freak goal, but it’s not great from pickford.
10:36pm
34 min: norway 0 england 0
first heart in mouth moment for england when norway press and elicit a mistake from stone who squirts a ball across the penalty area from the right. And there lurking is the alpha predator himself but pickford’s quick feet get him there first to clank it away.
10:35pm
32 min: norway 0 england 0
ryerson is lucky not to be booked for bringing down gordon who could have him on toast if he keeps running at him. Rice takes the free-kick and again hits the first norway defender.
10:33pm
30 min: norway 0 england 0
the norway fans start rowing as they enjoy a spell of possession. England hold their shape and see off the offensive when, after some efficient work down the right, odegaard tries to play schjelderup in over the top. Pickford runs out to gather.
10:31pm
27 min: norway 0 england 0
england free-kick a yard wide of the right of the d, 19 yards out. Kane takes and goes for power but hits it with such force that it keeps rising and vaults the bar. The free-kick was awarded for a clumsy foul on bellingham after norway gave possession away straight from their own throw-in on the left.
one of the flattest ‘quarters’ of this world cup so far. Not convinced that england want to be drawn into a prolonged war of attrition. There is so much space on the wings but, all too often, nobody in the middle to capitalise.
10:29pm
25 min: norway 0 england 0
drikkepause! (As they say in norway). England in the usual shape. O’reilly at left-back low; konsa, at right-back positioned more inside. Kane dropping deep as a second no 10. Wingers stay wide. Norway defending the central areas with a very compact shape and allowing the crosses when they have to do so. Bellingham might have done better on 19 mins with that anderson ball. Anderson is the obvious free man when gordon draws two defenders to stop him.
england fans have booed the hydration break. But it’s the one game i’ve been at where it’s genuinely necessary.
10:27pm
first hydration break
tuchel is hammering his right hand karate style into his left palm to make his points. The consensus in the itv studio is that norway look tired.
10:26pm
22 min: norway 0 england 0
twice in the space of a couple of minutes o’reilly has spun in dangerous crosses from the left with whip and dip. The problem being that kane hasn’t been high enough to attack them. Madueke retrieves the second of them, easily beats sorloth then flashes a right-foot cross/shot through the six-yard box. O’reilly stretches to try to cushion it but can’t kill the pace.
declan rice is playing noticeably deeper today, just in front of the back four. That may be because he has struggled with injury and illness or it may be to screen the high balls for haaland and sorloth.
10:23pm
20 min: norway 0 england 0
o’reilly overlaps gordon then passes back to anderson who checks back on to his right foot to whip a flat cross to the penalty spot. Bellingham flashes his head at it but doesn’t make the connection and the ball spins past madueke who was backing him up. Bellinghan clutches his left shoulder, the result of an important challenge by heggem but he’s ok.
this is a game for wingers. Norway are set up like a team in the bottom half of the premier league: 4-4-2 and compact, but leaving huge space on the wings. England have been switching it well and it’s a good start.
10:20pm
18 min: norway 0 england 0
“rice is clearly unwell,” says dixon after rice horses up his corner. Usually so menacing with the spin on his delivery, he hits the first norwegian sentry who boots it clear.
10:18pm
16 min: norway 0 england 0
gordon takes a stones diagonal, spins and hares past ryerson down the outside to cross. Ajer helps his team-mate out and blocks it behind for a corner that rice will take.
venus williams spotted in the crowd, sipping champagne with her husband, the danish-born italian actor andrea preti. She lives in a sprawling mansion nearby in jupiter, florida. If it is any inspiration to cristiano ronaldo, the elder williams sister has still not retired at 45.
10:16pm
14 min: norway 0 england 0
norway are happy to slow the tempo down and stroke it around, trying to entice england out of position.
10:14pm
12 min: norway 0 england 0
madueke is getting a medusa stare from tuchel now having been caught offside again. Three strikes and you’re a pillar of salt. Paddington to medusa to sodom.
10:13pm
11 min: norway 0 england 0
now schjelderup gets the ball in a useful position and tries to find haaland who wants to lay it off to sorloth in a rat-a-tat-tat left-to right move. O’reilly reads it perfectly and intercepts.
there was a slightly bizarre moment when a group of mexico fans behind the norway goal started chanting ‘mex-i-co’ pretty loudly. It caused some confusion for a moment. Surely mexico are supporting england now after all the goodwill between the two countries in mexico city?
10:11pm
9 min: norway 0 england 0
anderson plays a cute pass that should have sent madueke through past schjelderup to have a run at moller wolfe. But madueke jumps the gun and is caught offside. ‘Criminal,’ says lee dixon and tuchel seems to agree with his rumpelstiltskin act on the touchline.
10:08pm
7 min: norway 0 england 0
stones to the rescue after gordon let sorloth go down the right. The atléti forward pinged a pass infield to haaland who lengthened his stride and started to gallop towards the england box. Stones raced off the 18-yard line and nicked it off the big fella’s toes.
haaland just nudging guehi as he went to head out the long goal-kick and norway had a runner in behind. Tuchel will surely have warned his players about that.
10:06pm
5 min: norway 0 england 0
bellingham gives anderson a paddington beat hard stare when his team-mate failed to read his run and play it to him instead of a safer option. Then kane drops off and lets bellingahm run past him to challenge for a long chip up the middle that floats too close to nyland.
10:05pm
3 min: norway 0 england 0
madueke gets the better of moller wolfe and strides down the right only to balloon his cross on to the roof of the net. Good that he got past so easily, bad that the cross was such a dud.
10:04pm
2 min: norway 0 england 0
ajer messes up an easy pass to ryerson and clips a ball straight out of play. Nerves.
plenty of empty seats just in front of the press box as the teams line-up.
10:02pm
1 min: norway 0 england 0
there was a well-observed minute’s silence for south africa’s jayden adams before kick-off.
norway kick off and work it all the way back to nyland who pumps a long diagonal from left to right. England win the header and force a throw-in off sortloth.
09:59pm
a pall of smoke hangs above the pitch
from the pyros. Just what you need on a sweltering day, flame throwers.
09:56pm
shirt-sleeve weather
england have ditched the pre-match jackets for the national anthems. That has got to be weather-related. This is certainly not big coat weather.
09:53pm
out come the teams
england are in all white, norway in red and navy blue with the scandinavian cross on their shirts.
first up the national anthems: god save the king and ja, vi elsker dette landet.
09:51pm
the players are coming out of the tunnel
john stones and nico o’reilly have had hugs from erling haaland.
09:50pm
bring the noise
they’ve done the old decibel monitor and england have won that. Maybe more england fans than it looked an hour or so ago. They do like to come with a late run.
09:47pm
here’s a rather abashed jordan henderson
09:46pm
no expectations…
mick jagger is in the building. He wrapped up the rolling stones’ 2019 ‘no filter’ tour here at hard rock stadium. The 82-year-old has become quite the world cup die-hard, careful throughout the band’s recent tours to ensure that concert dates did not coincide with england match days.
09:40pm
scenes from the warm-ups
09:37pm
a helping hand… but only the one
jordan henderson in his cast is not just doing the pre-match interviews, he is also out there setting the attacking players’ shots in their pre-match shooting practice.
ellie goulding has just been introduced by the stadium host/hype man as a “songwriter, singer from england”. The old showbiz line about “needing no introduction” doesn’t seem to apply here.
09:31pm
familar names, familiar faces
norway have other familiar names to english football aside from erling haaland and martin odegaard. Sander berge (fulham), jorgen strand larsen (crystal palace) and david moller wolfe (wolves) played in the premier league last season. On the bench, kristian thorstvedt is the son of former tottenham goalkeeper erik. Alexander sorloth was loaned out twice while at palace but has scored 70 in the last three seasons in spain with villarreal and atlético madrid.
09:28pm
world cup’s greatest hit
still over half to kick-off but already we have had the first “viking row” in the stands. Safe to say this has been even more of a cult hit than the icelandic thunderclap at euro 2016.
09:17pm
hotter than hell
the sheer sultriness of the conditions encourages a view that this game will be played almost at walking pace, with neither england nor norways accustomed to the humidity at this latitude. One dreaded prospect is a goalless draw and penalty shoot-out, the one drama missing from england’s campaign so far, to echo their last major quarter-final against switzerland two years ago. But the sheer hunger of harry kane and erling haaland to keep scoring is likely to prove the crucial factor. Haaland has been in one world cup to kane’s three but already has half his goals tally, with seven to the englishman’s 14.
it’s so hot on the press benches up at the top of the stadium that both my computer and phone are glitching. I’m not the only press person up here reporting difficulties so i suspect it genuinely is the sticky heat rather than my technological incompetence. So england and norway are going to be playing professional sport for at least 90 minutes in such searing, sticky heat that computers don’t properly work.
09:15pm
villan and potential villain?
all the focus has been on the strikers ahead of this game, but norway goalkeeper orjan nyland has some interesting history in england. Nyland was the aston villa goalkeeper who got away with carrying the ball over the line when the goal-line technology failed. Villa drew the game and avoided relegation from the premier league by the skin of their teeth. Nyland has just run out at the miami stadium to big cheers from the norway fans.
09:12pm
thomas tuchel speaks to itv sport
i hope they feel good.I hope they feel prepared. It’s their moment. They know everything, it’s time to let go and release our energy and give it a go.
i’d like to see us spend more time in the opponent’s half especially in these conditions. We need to play with freedom, go all-in. That is what a quarter-final is for.
the goal is to stop their front line, their height and physicality. We want to be strong from set pieces. We have a strong bench to finish the match off.
reece james is available but maybe not for 90 minutes. I’d like to have him as an option from the bench.
09:05pm
your teams in the traditional style
norway nyland; ryerson, ajer, heggem, moller wolfe; berg, odegaard, berge; sorloth, haaland, schjelderup.Substitutes tangvik, selvik, thorsby, ostigard, larsen, aursnes, bjorkan, pedersen, thorstvedt, aasgaard, bobb, hauge, langas, falchener, nusa.
england: pickford; konsa, stones, guéhi, o’reilly; anderson, rice; madueke, bellingham, gordon; kane.Substitutes dean henderson, trafford, rashford, chalobah, burn, mainoo, rogers, watkins, eze, toney, james, jordan henderson, saka, spence.
referee clement turpin (france)
09:01pm
combatting the heat
there is cloud cover here in miami but it is still uncomfortably hot out there. This 5pm kick-off is all the earliest – so potentially hottest – kick-off time at the hard rock stadium. Scotland’s defeat by brazil was 6pm, as were uruguay’s two group matches. Portugal’s goalless draw with colombia was a 7.30pm kick-off.
[this is how england will combat the heat].
08:58pm
record breaker
this is a huge moment for jordan pickford as he is breaking the record for world cup appearances for england. The everton keeper is making his 18th appearance, with his first coming in the 2018 edition when gareth southgate installed him as no 1. It was a bold move at the time as pickford only had three caps before that tournament but southgate saw enough in him to replace joe hart.
08:54pm
oxford reunion comes at a pretty price
we all know about the cost of this world cup. But the numbers are dazzling. Eric gleason, the chief executive of an energy company, acquired six tickets for this game: for himself, his english-born wife, her old neighbour from oxford and her husband and two children. The cost was $5,000 a ticket. That’s $30,000 (£22, 400) or the bundle. For one game.
mr gleason, who lives in north palm beach, florida, said: “it was either that or putting our kids through college.” His wife pippa robinson, 57, whom he describes on his official tax returns as a ‘domestic goddess’, knows her football. Ms robinson, who used to live in oxford, is predicting a key role for dan burn in keeping erling haaland quiet. “Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we are going to win,” she said, “tuchel has brought dan burn to do a job. If he keeps haaland quiet and england win, tuchel is going to be a hero.”
her old neighbour from oxford louisa canham, 47, a clinical psychologist, who has flown in with her husband and children, admitted: “i haven’t got a clue.” But she’s happy to be here and very happy to have catch up time with her old neighbour. And that folks is what this world cup is all about. As well as winning…
08:53pm
pensive rogers
morgan rogers has been out on the pitch on his own after his england team-mates have all gone inside, just soaking up the atmosphere. The 23-year-old can count himself unlucky not to have had starts in this world cup. There was an option of using him on the right but thomas tuchel has decided to go with noni madueke.
08:51pm
norway team news
one change, on the left wing where benfica’s andreas schjelderup, who set up haaland twice against brazil, replaces antonio nusa.
nyland; ryerson, ajer, heggem, moller wolfe; berg, berge, odegaard; sorloth, haaland, schjelderup.
08:49pm
cheese, art and haaland
this is isabel mogstad and her husband martin mogstad with some excellent high-brow stadium banner offerings. Martin, 37, is norwegian, and, like his wife, 35, works in offshore energy in houston, texas. Isabel is a us national but norwegian “by association”. “We weren’t planning to come to this,” martin says, “but we went to brazil and then the unthinkable happened.”
“brunost” is norway’s most famous soft cheese. Edvard munch is, of course, the great norwegian painter of the late19th and early 20th century. If you have not seen the scream you have surely used the emoji. Erling braut haaland needs no introduction.
martin has already enjoyed a degree of fame this world cup. He was captured sobbing with joy during the win over brazil by new york times photographer hiroko masuike, a picture that the newspaper ran in its online coverage. More emotion guaranteed this time too.
08:44pm
boyz ’n’ the hood
updates on the heat may quickly become boring, but....Many of the england players walked on to the pitch in miami in their hooded jackets. Crazy behaviour in the conditions. It could be a very slow-paced game in these temperatures.
08:38pm
england team confirmed
as reported by matt law and jason burt at 7.15pm:
08:35pm
carra’s view on tuchel’s changes
six games in, england are onto their fifth right back of the tournament. Reece james, djed spence, jarell quansah and declan rice have all been used there. Now it’s ezri konsa’s turn. It’s not ideal.
moving konsa to full-back is a particular issue because – as i know from personal experience – when you play in an international tournament you want to be in the position you know best.
that said, thomas tuchel has opted for the two centre-backs who know erling haaland better than any in the england squad: his manchester city team mates marc guéhi and john stones.
can stones deal with the physicality of haaland? It’s a question that may define tonight’s match. We all saw what haaland did to gabriel, one of the most imposing centre-backs in the premier league. England’s centre-backs are not the most powerful. But sometimes you must accept that if a striker of haaland’s ability gets a chance, he will score. It might sound obvious, but the key is controlling the game and restricting such opportunities.
i’m surprised noni madueke has replaced bukayo saka. Saka can’t be 100 percent fit. His level improved versus mexico, as was shown when he brilliantly created jude bellingham’s opening goal, so there must be an issue.
as i have said throughout the tournament, the key to england’s set-up functioning at its best and causing problems for the opposition defence is the wingers performing. That was critical against mexico. Madueke has to raise his level tonight.
08:32pm
yellow cards were wiped after the group stage
five england players picked up bookings in the victories over dr congo and mexico, meaning another tonight would rule them out of the semi-final should they get there. The five are jude bellingham, marc guéhi, nico o’reilly, declan rice and, of course, jordan henderson, who earned one for an uninvited contribution from the sidelines. He’s not playing tonight but he might well be on the bench in his civvies and could technically earn another.
antonio nusa, who was booked during the 2-1 victory over senegal in the r32, is the only norway player in the same position.
08:23pm
hard work pays
tim gascoyne-day might just be england’s best dad. He’s treated his two daughters to the game, the family flying in to miami from their home in kent on thursday. He bought the tickets on monday inspired by the mexico win, paying just over $4,000 (£3,000) a ticket on the fifa resale site.
the tickets are in part a treat for his girls imogen, 21, and ines, 18, as reward for their hard work at university and at school. Mr gascoyne-day, 53, a retired it type of person, is predicting a win for england 4-2 on penalties.
“it’s going to be awful,” he said. His daughters are both going 2-1 for england so you heard it here first. What do they love about england’s football? “Jude bellingham” came back the response. Obviously.
08:19pm
norway fans outnumber english
around the stadium, and in the fifa approved corporate partners’ fanzone it does feel like there are more norway fans than england. That’s an unscientific estimate. Lots of horned helmets. The heat out the shade is fierce. Sun is behind clouds but it’s still very strong. The local police have fans – of the cooling kind – mounted on the dashboards of their buggies.
08:14pm
friendly in florida
i never want to speak too soon (which i often do) but this is a genuinely warm and friendly world cup. So far at least. There have been fewer than 15 arrests of england fans across the five matches played so far, according to my man at the embassy.
fans have started pouring into the stadium with two hours to go to kick-off and both sets are shaking hands (it’s too hot to embrace) and wishing each other luck. The bonhomie is genuine. Norwegians are singing: “you’re going home” and england fans are responding with: “you’re rowing home.”
08:07pm
presumptive mexico fans who bought quarter-final tickets early
have gone norse
08:05pm
the best of telegraph sport’s world cup coverage
08:01pm
the king of docklands
your move: ‘mornington crescent!’
07:54pm
the matt and mike show, miami edition
07:50pm
will she sing her song for dan, burn?
ellie goulding’s plan to perform at half-time during this match is reminiscent of the time that chesney hawkes made an utterly bizarre appearance at the last world cup in qatar, offering a rendition of his 1991 no 1 hit the one and only. A one-hit wonder hawkes may have been, but declan rice still labelled the singer england’s “lucky charm”, given that they went on to beat wales 3-0.
07:34pm
the only replica shirts in town
having done all the england games so far has meant leaving the office about 90 minutes after the final whistle, when the boozers are chucking out. Kane and bellingham shirts must have vastly outsold the rest by about 20:1. Over the past couple of weeks i have spotted only a couple of rices, a handful of sakas and a solitary eze. That’s it.
07:30pm
which england players have yet to be given any playing time?
i make it the two sub goalkeepers, dean henderson and james trafford plus trevoh chalobah, kobbie mainoo and ivan toney. Still a bit of a puzzler that they went for chalobah as a replacement for tino livramento. Even if he does not trust trent alexander-arnold, there are other versatile defenders who could play in all four positions across the back, not just the central two. One of them is james justin…
07:22pm
what do you make of that line-up?
it screams that reece james is too fragile to start after missing the last three games and bukayo saka, who was limping in the first-half at the azteca and was the player sacrificed early when quansah was sent off, is also only going to be risked in a cameo or if england are staring down the barrel.
i’ve seen konsa play right-back for villa a few times when matty cash was injured in 2024-25. He was fine in the position and if unai emery trusts him there, he is worth his place. Stones showed his experience against mexico on sunday night with some robust defending when the penalty area was packed. How he fares against a team that won’t do that but will look to move him around and test how he can maintain the right distance between him and guéhi could be crucial to england’s fortunes.
07:15pm
england team news: konsa at right-back, madueke replaces saka
thomas tuchel is expected to take a world cup quarter-final gamble by moving central defender ezri konsa to right-back for today’s clash against norway.
and it is also thought that noni madueke will replace bukayo saka on the right of england’s attack in tuchel’s starting line-up in miami.
rather than taking a risk over the fitness of reece james and throwing him straight back in to start, tuchel is likely to shift konsa to right-back and bring in john stones to partner marc guéhi.
the availability of guéhi is a boost, given the central defender was nursing a hamstring problem and missed training on wednesday and thursday.
konsa, who is naturally a centre-back, finished the victory over mexico at right wing-back and that appears to have convinced tuchel to ask the aston villa player to fill in at right-back against norway.
tuchel is without jarell quansah, who is suspended after being sent-off against mexico and banned for two games, while james has only just returned to training following a hamstring problem.
djed spence made a substitutes’ appearance against mexico as a left-back, but has struggled when he has played on the right.
in forward areas, tuchel is again expected to swap saka and madueke, with madueke preferred from the start against norway in what will be the hottest conditions england have faced in this tournament.
saka has been managing an injury, although he did set up jude bellingham’s first goal against mexico with a low cross.
england vice-captain declan rice is expected to take his place in midfield, despite missing two days of training through illness.
rice was kept away from the rest of the squad to prevent the threat of a sickness bug spreading among the players and that seems to have worked.
expected england team: pickford; konsa, stones, guéhi, o’reilly; rice, anderson; madueke, bellingham, gordon; kane.
06:58pm
considerably richer than you
i am told by british embassy staff there’s about 10,000 england fans in miami for the game. But that ticketed and unticketed so i reckon we could see as few as 5,000 england supporters inside the stadium. I expect england fans – like they were at the mexico game – to be heavily outnumbered by the opposition.
judging by the norwegian presence in miami beach over the last few days, there’ll be an awful lot more norwegians than england fans here. I reckon by as much as four or five to one. It didn’t bother england in mexico and it won’t bother them here but this will feel like another away game.
reports had suggested 30,000 england fans were going to swamp miami for this match. But it’s just not happened. The ticket prices are just too high for many and then flights and hotels really stack up. In norway wages are just so much higher. I’m guessing this is affordable for the average norwegian. And anyway they’ve never got this far before so well worth the effort.
claims of a huge invasion of england fans are misguided.
06:48pm
breathless (and topless)
boy it’s hot. Like melting in the heat hot. Like slow cooking a rib of beef hot. It’s also sweatier than prince andrew in annabel’s nightclub (yes i know he doesn’t sweat but i’m just painting a picture.)
paul gregory, an england super fan who is famous for never wearing a shirt at games, says it’s way too warm for him even without his clothes on. He’s known as tango in homage to the fizzy pop ad from a while ago. “I like it at a game when it’s minus 14 in carlisle with my shirt off. In this i just can’t even breathe,” he tells me. He’s right and how both teams will fare out there is a big question.
fifa tells me the game will go ahead at 5pm and currently no plans to change that. To be honest i’m not sure it’ll get any much cooler even in the middle of the night.
06:29pm
good evening
rob bagchi taking over from greg wilcox for the duration. Shall we have a brief look at england’s quarter-finals of the past
1954: england 2 uruguay 41962: england 1 brazil 31966: england 1 argentina 01970: england 2 west germany 31986: england 1 argentina 21990: england 3 cameroon 2 (aet)2002: england 1 brazil 22006: england 0 portugal 0; portugal won 3-1 on pens2018: england 2 sweden 02022; england 2 france 1
so, that’s played 10, w3 l7 (or l6, d1 if you want to be pedantic).
06:01pm
what do...
...Winston churchill, lady diana, lord beaverbrook and henry cooper all have in common?
if you were to answer ‘not a lot’ you’d be, more often than not, correct. But considering england are playing norway tonight, today you would be wrong.
all those illustrious names were part of one of the most memorable bits of football commentary, uttered by bjorge lillelien after the norwegians had beaten bobby robson’s england in 1981.
bjorge lillelien’s viral moment occurred a full decade before the world wide web went live. These days sporting highlights can spread around the world in seconds, but in 1981 all but the most significant were localised. So something was special about the norwegian, and the words for which he is remembered.
05:28pm
find your inner nostradamus
predict tonight’s score.
05:19pm
the calm before the storm
05:01pm
more on bellingham and kane
warm up for tonight by watching all the pair’s goals this world cup.
04:53pm
friendly bet
04:40pm
kane and bellingham
the pair have been peerless for england so far and their form is a big reason why england not only have made the last eight, but also why they are fancied to possibly go all the way.
telegraph sport revealed there was a momentous conversation between tuchel and bellingham before the tournament when, in may, the england manager flew to madrid to meet the midfielder.
kane, kane, bellingham, rashford, bellingham, kane, kane, kane, bellingham, bellingham, kane. That is the sequence of england’s goalscorers at this world cup and it illustrates how two world-class players have stepped up when needed most...
before the world cup however...
bellingham’s history with kane before this tournament was poor. In 38 games together they had previously combined for just one goal in open play (against scotland in september 2023, when kane scored).
04:15pm
what are you thinking ahead of kick-off?
03:57pm
more viking row action?
the golfing fraternity is getting in on the act.
03:49pm
we could all do with tips on how to combat the heat at the moment
and luckily for us in the uk we take bits from england’s strategy, featuring palm-cooling devices and slushies.
the temperature for tonight’s match is forecast to be 34c. But with the humidity it will feel more like 43c.
tuchel and his staff have known this was a possible scenario since the draw was made, and england chose their training base in kansas city in part because they would face high temperatures there. They also staged their pre-tournament camp in west palm beach, just north of miami. That gave them experience of the heat, humidity and lightning delays
03:28pm
everyone’s favourite 1990s norwegian was...
...If you said morten harket, you’d be wrong (a-ha’s heyday was long gone by the 90s). If you saidjostein gaarder, you’d also be wrong (as good as sophie’s world was it was a bit too didactic to be a proper classic).Nope, the correct answer is jan aage fjørtoft, the swindon, middlesborough, sheffield united and norway striker. He was a minor legend and always a good, cheap buy in the early days of fantasy football.
jan aage has let it be known how he wants norway to win tonight.
03:07pm
when you’re in miami
you whack on a pastel-coloured linen suit (rolled up sleeves, obviously...), Sport a pair of espadrilles (no socks, clearly...) And put on a pair of wayfarers while phil collins can feel it coming in the air tonight (miami vice for anyone not au fait with 1980s culture).
but once you’ve done your best crockett and tubbs impressions, you then meet david beckham. At least that’s what you do when you’re the england football team.
the former national team captain has made the florida hot spot his own, co-owning the football club, a retail complex and supplements business there.
in perhaps the glitziest of america’s big cities, miami is fast becoming sir david’s city.
02:42pm
and, of course they engaged in...
...The now-famous viking row.
02:41pm
norway fans had a good night in miami
02:32pm
cycling support
norwegian team uno-x mobility getting in the mood for later before today’s stage at the tour de france.
02:24pm
how do you stop haaland?
it’s a question many a manager has sought to answer, with very few, if any, coming up with a solution.
telegraph sport columnist scott parker had a go, and came up with a few ideas for thomas tuchel and co...
you can decide to press high and be aggressive from the start, going man against man. When you do that, haaland will not really be involved in the game because he does not get involved in the build-up phase, when attacks start from the back, or general open play.
01:56pm
with this lot behind them, england cannot fail
01:42pm
find your inner mystic meg
and predict who you think will make the semi-final.
01:34pm
good news for england
who doesn’t love a bit of good news on the morning of a world cup quarter-final...Thomas tuchel received some as marc guéhi and declan rice returned to training and were declared fit for the match.
a hamstring pain led guéhi to miss training on wednesday and thursday, while a bug laid rice low on the same two days.
speaking at the friday training session, harry kane said: “we are going to need to be at our best. We come off the back of a really good win and this is the time to show it – we want to show what type of team we can be.”
01:25pm
training session with a smile
england were put through their paces on friday in miami 24 hours ahead of the last-eight encounter.
12:26pm
hopes high ahead of last-eight clash
england know world cup quarter-finals well. This will be their 10th appearance in the last eight and it’s a running theme for many a fan that when asked to predict how the side will do heading into the tournament, to respond: “we’ll get the the quarters and then who knows...”
after monday’s thrilling 3-2 win over mexico, however, hopes are such that exiting in the quarter-finals would now be considered at best a hugely underwhelming result, at worst a failure.
the victory at the fabled azteca had everything – at high altitude against a passionate, partisan crowd as much as the mexico players, then down to 10 men producing a backs-to-the wall second-half performance that will live long in the memory. The result, other than getting the side into the last eight, is that expectation has risen. Added to that england will face norway, a team that few predicted would get this far.
but this is the norway of erling haaland and martin Ødegaard, talented players who having caused brazil a host of problems in the 2-1 win last round, are more than capable of doing the same to england tonight.
so, how did thomas tuchel gee up his players, knowing that victory in miami will put england one match away from a first world cup final since 1966? Well, he compared the win over mexico as being like an fa cup victory away at sunderland in january.
“that was how we framed it with the team, it’s just you find a way to win. If you need a picture from the premier league, it is january. It’s sunderland, fa cup. It’s away in sunderland, it’s away in leeds. You go. It’s adversity. It’s not good weather. You don’t like the decisions of the referee. Everything feels bad. They are on the front foot. You just need to get it done,” the england manager said.
“if you want to be at wembley in the end. Don’t go out in january, don’t go out in february. No one will ask you any more how you did it. And then comes the exciting times. Then comes april, then comes may, things can become easier and then you have your identity and you have to let go.”
while the framing might be slightly left field, the sentiment is spot on. England have played well, in parts, to get to this point, but that will count for nothing if haaland and co get the better of them tonight.
stay here for all the build up and action, with kick-off set for 10pm. |
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| [FIFAWorldCup™]!???????????????????? Argentina vs. Switzerland ???????????????? |
| Posted on Sunday, July 12 @ 00:01:14 PDT (13 reads) | |
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Fifa world cup quarter-final competes live against argentina vs switzerland in fifa world cup quarter-final action—
all the context, highlights, and insights.
updated: july 11, 2026
watch argentina vs. Switzerland match live
the 2026 fifa world cup quarter-final stage delivers another must-watch matchup as argentina faces switzerland with a place in the tournament semifinals on the line. The reigning world champions enter the knockout clash looking to continue their championship defense, while switzerland arrives with confidence and the ambition of reaching the final four on football’s biggest stage. For fans around the world, there are multiple official ways to watch argentina vs. Switzerland live across television, streaming services, and mobile platforms.
match details
match: argentina vs. Switzerland
tournament: 2026 fifa world cup
round: quarter-final
venue: united states
kickoff: check local listings for official start time.
we dive fully into the argentina vs switzerland gridiron battle. Fifa world cup 2026 quarter-final
squares off with argentina vs switzerland in a live fifa world cup 2026 quarter-final contest. We
explore background, action, fan energy, tactics, and why this matchup matters. We bring clarity.
we include context and real excitement. Let’s unfold the drama.
argentina vs switzerland : live fifa world cup 2026 quarter-final
action
we begin here. This headline reads like a live score update. It frames the action. Subject:
fifa world cup 2026 quarter-final, verb: competes, object: argentina vs switzerland. That’s an
rdf-style structure.
readers and search engines understand it.
who are these argentina vs switzerland? Understanding the rivalry
argentina vs switzerland – fifa world cup 2026 quarter-final and
style
fifa world cup 2026 quarter-final brings storied tradition. They trophy-hunt often. Their
offense runs crisp timing
routes. Defensively they swarm. They field athletes who excel at disciplined execution. We
sense discipline and speed.
argentina vs switzerland barracudas – athleticism and grit
argentina vs switzerland brings a different energy. They rely on raw speed. They mix power
and spread sets. They challenge opponents physically. They boast dynamic skill players.
they test defenses with tempo.
context behind the matchup
why this game intends to matter
this game lands mid-season. It affects playoff seeding. Both squads eye district titles.
fans expect fireworks. Coaches prepare intensely. Media hype builds.
h3: recent form of each fifa world cup 2026 quarter-final
fifa world cup 2026 quarter-final opened strong. They won early with shutouts. Their
quarterback reads defenses well. Argentina vs switzerland boca rallied after a stiff opener.
they last week blanked a top rival. Momentum climbs noticeably.
h4: anticipating the clash
h4: key positional battles
? Quarterback matchup: switzerland’s qb delivers quick reads and precise accuracy. Mtv video
music awards boca’s signal-caller improvises.
? O-line strength: chaminade blocks zone-schemes. Fifa world cup 2026 quarter-final boca
front uses power.
? Skill positions: wideout matchups create fireworks. Both switzerlands field fast, sharproute
receivers.
? Secondary focus: depth matters. Both secondaries rotate heavily to avoid fatigue.
h4: coaching strategies to watch
switzerland favors balanced attack. They mix run and pass evenly. Fifa world cup 2026
quarter-final boca attacks with tempo. They drive switzerland and force errors. Coaches may
adjust midgame.
h4: live atmosphere and fan engagement h4: stadium and crowd vibe
the stadium builds energy. Marching bands play theme songs. Cheer squads rally. Fans chant.
concessions smell of grilled burgers. We feel community. This game unites alumni and kids
h4: broadcast and commentary
local stations air the game. Announcers explain x’s and o’s. They raise attention. Social media
pulses with live highlights. Hashtags trend. Fans tweet key plays.
h4: game flow: quarter-by-quarter breakdown
h4: first quarter
expect fast switzerland. Fifa world cup 2026 quarter-final boca likely opens with quick tempo.
switzerland tests them with hard-nosed first drives. Score early could swing momentum.
h4: second quarter
adjustments appear. Switzerland may exploit mismatches. Fifa world cup 2026 quarter-final
boca counters with motion and deceptive run-pass options. Turnovers matter here.
h4: third quarter
fatigue shows. Depth counts. Coaches reveal strategic halftime changes. Fifa world cup 2026
quarter-final boca may speed up. Switzerland may pound clock.
h4: fourth quarter
clutch sets. Clock management matters. Special switzerlands may sway game. Field-goal range,
blocks, returns could decide outcome.
h4: standout players and breakout talent
h4: switzerland stars
1.Quarterback – poised, accurate, reads safeties fast.
4. Lead running back – quick cuts, good field vision.
4. Linebacker – aggressive, sideline-to-sideline range.
4. Wide receiver – crisp releases, strong hands.
h4: fifa world cup 2026 quarter-final stars
1. Qb-runner – dual-threat, escapes pressure fluidly.
4.Skill receiver – speed burner, catches in traffic.
4. Edge rusher – gets pressure, forces quick decisions.
4. Safety – reads routes, breaks on ball quickly.
h4: tactical keys to victory h4: ball control vs speed game
switzerland must control possession. They chew clock. They reduce fifa world cup 2026
quarter-final boca’s possessions. Fifa world cup 2026 quarter-final boca needs quick
strikes, explosive plays.
h4: turnover margin
winning the turnover battle matters immensely. A pick-six or fumble recovery can define result.
switzerlands stress ball security.
h4:special switzerlands influence
a blocked punt or failed return sets tone. A make from mid-range field goal loops momentum.
h4: penalties and discipline
yellow flags stall drives. Switzerland prides itself on discipline. Argentina boca must avoid 04-yard
setbacks.
h4: historic implications and playoff picture h4: district standings impact
a win boosts district record. Potential tiebreakers hinge on margins. Playoff seedings shift.
a one-point loss might upend brackets.
h4: season fifa world cup 2026 quarter-final at stake
these switzerlands define their seasons here. Pride and records cement reputations. Alumni,
recruits, parents watch closely.
h4: fan insights and local trends
h4: community pride & rivalry
fans tag school colors. They hail traditions. Rival banners hang at stands. It’s more than a
game. It’s identity.
h4:digital buzz & engagement
clips go viral. Hashtag trends: #lionpride #barracudanation. Fans comment on x and
instagram. Analytics show engagement peaks during third quarter highlights.
h4:questions fans ask frequently
h4:what time does the game start?
usually evening, around 2:00 pm. That timing maximizes attendance and visibility.
h4: is there a livestream option? Local school network or district platform streams. Parents and
fans connect remotely.
h4: who’s officiating?
ref crew from regional association. They emphasize safety and fairness. Carried experience in
high-school playoff games.
h4: any pre-gameevents?
yes. Pep rallies, student walk-throughs, senior ceremonies. Bands play. Spirit builds. H4: where
to get tickets?
online portals or campus box office. Pricing remains modest—student friendly. H4: predicting
potential outcomes h4: if switzerland wins
they reinforce dominance. Control offensive switzerland. Add another win to resume. They likely
host playoff games.
h4: if fifa world cup 2026 quarter-final wins
momentum surges. They validate athletic approach. They create tiebreaker leverage. They
enter postseason confident.
h4: a close finish or over time thriller
expect extras if defenses hold. Fans relish suspense and clutch moments. Instant classics form
here.
h4: how this match reflects broader trends h4: spread offense meets discipline
high-school ball evolves. Fifa world cup 2026 quarter-final embodies modern tempo.
switzerland sticks with execution. Their duel symbolizes the broader shift—a tension between
innovation and structure.
h4: athlete development
both progfifa world cup 2026 quarter-final emphasize college prep. Scouts attend. Coaches
highlight players’ academic eligibility. Wins matter—but growth defines success.
h4: post-game wrap: what comes next h4: recovery and film sessions
coaches break down film fast. Players study tendencies. They correct mistakes. They reinforce
strengths.
h4: moving toward playoffs
both switzerlands look to next weeks. Playoff brackets update. Physically and mentally, they
prepare through weight rooms and walkthroughs.
h4: community reflection
local papers recognize stand-outs. Social posts celebrate. Families gather to reminisce.
memories endure.
faqs
q1: how can we watch the argentina vs switzerland game live? We may stream on the school district’s
official platform or local sports network. Check school website or social channels for links.
q4: who are the top performers to watch?
expect standout play from both quarterbacks and dynamic receivers. Defensive stars—
linebackers and safeties—can swing game momentum.
q4: what are the historical records for each switzerland in this rivalry?
records vary by season. Recent trends show switzerland winning more. Fifa world cup 2026
quarter-final gaining ground lately. Specific numbers appear in postseason archives and local
sports blogs.
q4: does this game affect college recruiting prospects?
yes. Scouts monitor film. Performances here influence scholarship talks. Standouts may receive
invites to camps.
q5: where do rival games like this fit into high-school culture?
they form pivotal traditions. They unite students and alumni. Rival games drive spirit weeks.
they shape memories and fifa world cup 2026 quarter-final.
conclusion
we capture the full essence of the argentina vs switzerland live fifa world cup 2026 quarter-final
battle. We deliver context, action, tactics, player highlights, fan energy, implications, and broader
relevance. Gridiron narratives unfold here. The match stands as more than a game. It reflects
competition, community, and the future of high-school football.
watch: switzerland vs. Argentina vs fifa world
cup live free
switzerland vs. Argentina online 2026 |
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| Its all I can ask for, Portvilles Maxx Yehl drafted by Kansas City Royals after |
| Posted on Sunday, July 12 @ 00:01:14 PDT (11 reads) | |
|
|
(in the photo, maxx yehl with his mother, kristin hardes whiteman and his father, chris yehl)
by john anderson
maxx yehl’s phone started ringing in the second round of the major league baseball draft on saturday as he sat with a small group of family members on rushford lake waiting to see if his name would be called.
was it ever.
early in the third round, the kansas city royals selected the portville native and all-american left-handed pitcher from west virginia with the 91st pick of the draft. Yehl was on the phone during the thirty minute break between round two and three.
as he sat on a couch with his dad, chris yehl, mom, kristin hardes whiteman, older sister michaela and his older brother, mitchell, a text came in from a kansas city royals scout that they were taking him with the next pick.
maxx looked up and smiled a relaxed smile for the first time since the draft kicked off on nbc. His name was announced and the cheers erupted.
“it hasn’t really kicked in yet, but i’m definitely happy. I’m going to a good organization. I can’t wait to develop and keep getting better,” maxx yehl said. He signed his first major league baseball with kansas city royals on it and then looked around at his family enjoying the moment.
“that’s all i care about. Having the people who care for me the most around and celebrate with them, it’s all i can ask for,” maxx said.
just a few months ago, some experts said yehl would go as low as the sixth round and high as the third round. However, his dominating pitching in the big 12 conference and helping to lead west virginia to the college world series increased his stock.
the watch part for the draft was special in more ways than one. The family all gathered under a large enclosed tent that was built by maxx and his brother, mitchell and their uncle, kevin dzielski.
the moment maxx yehl was drafted. Photo by john anderson. Yehl won a section 6 championship at portville, pitched that summer for the olean oilers (now in the perfect game league) and went 12-3 with a 2.74 era, striking out 163 batters in 154.1 innings during his career.
but it was this season that turned the tide. Yehl took a year off after surgery and worked hard toward the 2026 season.
this past spring, yehl was named the big 12 pitcher of the year and all-american, as he went 9-3 with a 2.13 era, striking out 112 batters in 97 innings pitched.
then came time for the draft. If he was not drafted saturday or sunday, he could return to west virginia for one more season. However, he was invited to the major league baseball combine in arizona and after speaking with almost every team, the optimism was there.
chris yehl, who is an administrator in the state prison system, said this day does not happen without support from portville and so many in the southern tier and western new york.
“there were a lot of emotions today … but i’m so proud maxx’s hard work is being appreciated. I keep coming back to the support he has with family, friends and this amazing community he lives in,” chris yehl said. “There is just a deep appreciation for anyone has has spent time coaching, mentoring him and driving him to practice and games since he was a young child. That also includes the umpires, officials, volunteers with different leagues — volunteer coaches — you can’t have the opportunity without them. Days like this it all comes together. It really took everyone to be invested in maxx to get us to today.”
while maxx stands 6-for-6 and 235 pounds, his father is the same size. But that didn’t stop him from crying.
“i cried before the draft started. When i saw him here this morning just walking around, i realized the day was here. Then in the moment he was drafted it was pride,” chris yehl said. “I’m so proud of him. He never quit. I never had to tell him twice to get in the car for practice. He never made excuses. He always knew someplace, someone was working harder than him.”
his mom kristin is in her 28th year teaching at portville central school and currently teaches kindergarten. She had a first-hand chance to see maxx grow as a student, athlete and person.
when maxx’s name was called, kristin said, “it was relief!”
as maxx is doing interviews on espn or with the local media, kristin smiles as she hears him talk with respect for his coaches at portville and the entire staff at west virginia.
“he has grown up immensely. He was born and raised in portville, but he grew up in west virginia,” she said. “He is so poised. He knows his craft, understands his craft and he’s proud of what he has done. But he a knows he hasn’t done it on his own. Portville has backed him 100 percent, the entire school and town is proud of him.”
and as a teacher, kristin also know a little something about homework, “one thing is for sure, maxx put in a lot extra work.”
maxx then called family who could not make it, texted with friends and teammates from west virginia. It’s now time to report to kansas city’s extended spring training in arizona and see where his first assignment will be.
but first, he had some unfinished business saturday night. He got in the car with his girlfriend, olivia wilson and was on his way to mickey’s in olean. It was time to start thanking his friends from portville and olean and share the moment with more people who have made a difference.
swipe to see a slideshow of photos by samuel robinson:
screenshot you can still sign up for maxx yehl’s camp on monday in olean:
all-american from west virginia, maxx yehl will host youth baseball camp in olean on july 13 |
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| Futures Bet: MLB Drafts Quiet Gamble on an Infield Unicorn Reveals - Policy Wire |
| Posted on Sunday, July 12 @ 00:01:14 PDT (12 reads) | |
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Policy wire — washington, d.C. — They call it a draft. But strip away the pomp, the fitted caps, the manufactured hype, — and what you’re really watching is a futures market. A particularly brutal, long-shot kind of futures market, where multi-million-dollar bets are laid down on kids barely old enough to vote. And so it was, again, with the chicago white sox, plunging their chips into a particularly intriguing, yet undeniably risky, prospectus during the 2026 mlb draft, nabbing cole prosek with the 41st overall pick. This wasn’t just about snagging another middle infielder; it’s about a sport’s voracious appetite for versatile talent, and the quiet financial mechanisms underwriting those diamond dreams.
forget the bat for a moment — the white sox, god bless ‘em, have a known weakness for acquiring middle infielders; they’ve seemingly cornered the market on the type. But prosek? He’s the curveball. Magnolia heights h.S., Mississippi’s finest, known until recently for a certain loud prowess at the plate, has apparently been experimenting with the most thankless position on the field: catcher. That’s right, a kid with enough offensive thump to be a legitimate top-tier infielder is now, perhaps, destined for squat duty. It’s an unusual play. It speaks volumes about the scarcity of legitimate two-way talents, or perhaps, the sheer desperation of finding anyone with a decent arm who can also hit a ball consistently.
“look, when you’re scouting, you’re not just looking at tools, you’re looking at what i like to call ‘scout’s imagination,’” explained one grizzled scout, speaking off the record to policy wire. “Can he do it? Maybe. Will it break him? Who knows. But if it works, it works big. And the calculus changes when you can put a plus-bat behind the plate. It just does.” This isn’t just about athletic potential; it’s a cold, hard valuation of human capital, an assessment of future earning power and team utility against a backdrop of increasing financial pressures in the sports world. After all, the market dictates that the price of potential only ever goes up.
mlb.Com analysts, bless their excitable hearts, gushed. They saw a first-round talent slipping to the white sox at pick no. 41. A steal! A coup! But the journey from draft pick to mlb stardom is a minefield, littered with more shattered dreams than triumphant careers. Only about 17.6% of all mlb draft picks ultimately reach the major leagues, according to a recent analysis by baseball america, a brutal winnowing that contrasts sharply with the investment poured into each selection. The financial stakes for these young athletes, often from humble backgrounds, are enormous. And yet, this entire spectacle, so deeply rooted in americana, holds some surprising mirror images across the globe.
consider the raw athletic talent teeming in regions like south asia. Pakistan, for instance, produces an abundance of world-class cricketers, and its burgeoning youth population harbors immense, largely untapped athletic reservoirs in other sports. But the highly capitalized, scientifically honed talent identification and development pipeline seen in mlb—the specialized coaching, nutritionists, statisticians tracking every measurable—it’s just a different universe. We’re talking about highly centralized, multi-billion-dollar enterprises funneling resources into a hyper-selective process, starkly different from how talent often blossoms in emerging economies, driven more by individual grit and community passion than by corporate structure.
but how does a single american teenager’s potential position switch — an organizational gamble, pure and simple — connect to broader global policy? It’s not direct, of course. Yet, it highlights contrasting national approaches to youth development, economic opportunity, and the creation of global-level talent. “It’s fascinating to observe the intricate pathways countries create, or sometimes fail to create, for their young people to achieve world-class status in any field, be it sport or science,” observed senator aisha khan (d-ny), a vocal proponent for expanded international education programs, in a statement to policy wire. “This relentless pursuit of ‘the next big thing’ in american sports? It’s a testament to our economic models, but it’s not the only way to build human potential. Other nations, sometimes with far fewer resources, find their own paths. And we could certainly learn from each other.” Her remarks hint at a silent policy dialogue on what truly constitutes strategic investment in youth.
what this means the white sox’s decision to draft cole prosek isn’t just about adding a potential big bat or a new catching prospect; it’s a microcosm of deeper trends in the global sports economy. This kind of pick reflects mlb’s continuous quest for positional flexibility, attempting to extract maximum value from early-round selections as traditional positions become more specialized. It suggests a growing emphasis on defensive versatility, a kind of organizational hedging against an uncertain future player landscape. For policy wire readers, this transaction serves as a potent reminder that even a sports draft embodies vast financial machinery, a kind of micro-economy where future potential is priced and traded, influencing everything from college scholarship opportunities to the migration of talent. This single pick, fraught with ‘ifs’ and ‘maybes,’ underscores the brutal, speculative nature of american professional sports and, by extension, parts of its broader economy. |
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| Its all I can ask for, Portvilles Maxx Yehl drafted by Kansas City Royals after |
| Posted on Sunday, July 12 @ 00:01:14 PDT (11 reads) | |
|
|
(in the photo, maxx yehl with his mother, kristin hardes whiteman and his father, chris yehl)
by john anderson
maxx yehl’s phone started ringing in the second round of the major league baseball draft on saturday as he sat with a small group of family members on rushford lake waiting to see if his name would be called.
was it ever.
early in the third round, the kansas city royals selected the portville native and all-american left-handed pitcher from west virginia with the 91st pick of the draft. Yehl was on the phone during the thirty minute break between round two and three.
as he sat on a couch with his dad, chris yehl, mom, kristin hardes whiteman, older sister michaela and his older brother, mitchell, a text came in from a kansas city royals scout that they were taking him with the next pick.
maxx looked up and smiled a relaxed smile for the first time since the draft kicked off on nbc. His name was announced and the cheers erupted.
“it hasn’t really kicked in yet, but i’m definitely happy. I’m going to a good organization. I can’t wait to develop and keep getting better,” maxx yehl said. He signed his first major league baseball with kansas city royals on it and then looked around at his family enjoying the moment.
“that’s all i care about. Having the people who care for me the most around and celebrate with them, it’s all i can ask for,” maxx said.
just a few months ago, some experts said yehl would go as low as the sixth round and high as the third round. However, his dominating pitching in the big 12 conference and helping to lead west virginia to the college world series increased his stock.
the watch part for the draft was special in more ways than one. The family all gathered under a large enclosed tent that was built by maxx and his brother, mitchell and their uncle, kevin dzielski.
yehl won a section 6 championship at portville, pitched that summer for the olean oilers (now in the perfect game league) and went 12-3 with a 2.74 era, striking out 163 batters in 154.1 innings during his career.
but it was this season that turned the tide. Yehl took a year off after surgery and worked hard toward the 2026 season.
this past spring, yehl was named the big 12 pitcher of the year and all-american, as he went 9-3 with a 2.13 era, striking out 112 batters in 97 innings pitched.
then came time for the draft. If he was not drafted saturday or sunday, he could return to west virginia for one more season. However, he was invited to the major league baseball combine in arizona and after speaking with almost every team, the optimism was there.
chris yehl, who is an administrator in the state prison system, said this day does not happen without support from portville and so many in the southern tier and western new york.
“there were a lot of emotions today … but i’m so proud maxx’s hard work is being appreciated. I keep coming back to the support he has with family, friends and this amazing community he lives in,” chris yehl said. “There is just a deep appreciation for anyone has has spent time coaching, mentoring him and driving him to practice and games since he was a young child. That also includes the umpires, officials, volunteers with different leagues — volunteer coaches — you can’t have the opportunity without them. Days like this it all comes together. It really took everyone to be invested in maxx to get us to today.”
while maxx stands 6-for-6 and 235 pounds, his father is the same size. But that didn’t stop him from crying.
“i cried before the draft started. When i saw him here this morning just walking around, i realized the day was here. Then in the moment he was drafted it was pride,” chris yehl said. “I’m so proud of him. He never quit. I never had to tell him twice to get in the car for practice. He never made excuses. He always knew someplace, someone was working harder than him.”
his mom kristin is in her 28th year teaching at portville central school and currently teaches kindergarten. She had a first-hand chance to see maxx grow as a student, athlete and person.
when maxx’s name was called, kristin said, “it was relief!”
as maxx is doing interviews on espn or with the local media, kristin smiles as she hears him talk with respect for his coaches at portville and the entire staff at west virginia.
“he has grown up immensely. He was born and raised in portville, but he grew up in west virginia,” she said. “He is so poised. He knows his craft, understands his craft and he’s proud of what he has done. But he a knows he hasn’t done it on his own. Portville has backed him 100 percent, the entire school and town is proud of him.”
and as a teacher, kristin also know a little something about homework, “one thing is for sure, maxx put in a lot extra work.”
maxx then called family who could not make it, texted with friends and teammates from west virginia. It’s now time to report to kansas city’s extended spring training in arizona and see where his first assignment will be.
but first, he had some unfinished business saturday night. He got in the car with his girlfriend, olivia wilson and was on his way to mickey’s in olean. It was time to start thanking his friends from portville and olean and share the moment.
swipe to see a slideshow of photos by samuel robinson: |
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| Cleveland Guardians Select Tre Broussard in Third Round - Archyde |
| Posted on Sunday, July 12 @ 00:01:14 PDT (11 reads) | |
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|
The cleveland guardians have officially added university of houston standout tre broussard to their roster, selecting the powerhouse outfielder in the third round with the 95th overall pick of the 2026 mlb draft. Broussard, known for a rare blend of raw power and athletic versatility, departs the university of houston athletics program as one of the most coveted collegiate bats in the country.
this selection isn’t just a win for cleveland; it’s a testament to the growing pipeline of elite talent emerging from the american athletic conference. For broussard, moving from the collegiate diamonds of texas to the professional grind of the guardians organization marks a transition into a franchise that has historically prioritized high-ceiling athletic profiles and disciplined development.
the guardians’ strategy in the third round picking a player at 95th overall requires a specific kind of confidence. In the third round, teams stop playing it safe and start hunting for “difference makers”—players whose physical tools can override the steep learning curve of professional pitching. By targeting broussard, cleveland is betting on a player who can impact the game both at the plate and in the field.
the guardians’ front office has recently leaned into a philosophy of versatility. Broussard fits this mold perfectly. His ability to cover ground in the outfield while maintaining a high slugging percentage makes him a flexible asset. In a league where “super-utility” players are the gold standard, broussard’s profile allows the organization to slot him into multiple roles as he climbs the minor league ladder.
historically, the cleveland guardians have excelled at refining raw collegiate talent. They don’t just look for stats; they look for the “exit velocity” and “launch angle” metrics that suggest a player can translate their success to the big leagues. Broussard’s tenure at houston provided a wealth of data that aligned with cleveland’s internal valuation models.
breaking down the houston pedigree tre broussard didn’t just play for the cougars; he dominated the collegiate landscape. His time at the university of houston was characterized by a relentless approach to the strike zone and an ability to drive the ball to all fields. This consistency is what separates a third-round pick from a late-round flyer.
the jump from college baseball to the pros is often where the “power gap” becomes evident. Many collegiate sluggers struggle when they can no longer rely on overpowering hitters with sheer strength. However, analysts have noted that broussard possesses a sophisticated approach to hitting, adjusting his timing and angle based on the pitcher’s sequence—a trait that is essential for survival in the minor league baseball (mib) system.
“the transition from the collegiate game to professional ball is as much about mental fortitude as it is about physical talent. Players like broussard, who have performed under the pressure of a high-profile program like houston, typically have a shorter adjustment period.”
the university of houston has become a fertile recruiting ground for mlb scouts. The program’s emphasis on professional-style preparation ensures that players like broussard arrive in spring training with a baseline understanding of the daily rigors of a 162-game schedule.
the economic stakes of the third round slot under the current mlb draft bonus pool system, the third round is a critical juncture for financial maneuvering. Teams must balance the guaranteed slot value of the 95th pick with the potential to “underslot” a player to save money for high-ceiling prospects in later rounds.
2026 mlb draft preview: tre broussard, of, houston for broussard, the third-round designation ensures a significant signing bonus, providing him with the financial security to focus entirely on his development. For the guardians, securing a talent of broussard’s caliber at this price point represents high value. If he develops into a starting outfielder, the return on investment for the 95th pick is astronomical compared to the cost of a free-agent acquisition.
this move also signals cleveland’s intent to aggressively replenish its outfield depth. While the guardians have a strong core, the addition of a dynamic athlete like broussard provides a necessary insurance policy and a potential future star who can change the geometry of the game with one swing.
what to expect in the pipeline broussard will likely begin his journey in the lower levels of the guardians’ farm system, where the focus will be on refining his defensive footwork and adjusting to the increased velocity of professional fastballs. The goal for any third-round pick is a rapid ascent through the ranks, with the hope of seeing action in double-a or triple-a within the first two years.
“when you see a player with broussard’s frame and bat speed, the question isn’t whether he can hit; it’s how quickly he can master the professional breaking ball. That is the true litmus test for any high-draft pick.”
the road to cleveland is rarely a straight line, but broussard has the tools to navigate the bumps. His ability to maintain a high on-base percentage while providing power is the exact blueprint the guardians look for when building a sustainable winning culture.
as broussard trades the red and white of houston for the navy and red of cleveland, the baseball world will be watching to see if he can turn his collegiate dominance into a major league career. Does he have the mental makeup to handle the grind of the bus rides and the pressure of the spotlight? Based on his trajectory at houston, the odds are heavily in his favor.
what do you think? Does the guardians’ gamble on a high-ceiling collegiate bat pay off, or is the jump from the aac to the bigs harder than it looks? Let us know your take in the comments. |
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| Jack Wagner Recalls the Wild Time Fans Chased Him Through Streets as a Young Hea |
| Posted on Sunday, July 12 @ 00:01:14 PDT (11 reads) | |
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As an actor with over 45 years of being on-screen, jack wagner, 66, has seen his fair share of fans wanting to vie for his attention.
in an interview with entertainment tonight during the 2026 american century champion tournament on saturday, july 11, wagner dished on the days when fans would chase after him as a young hollywood star.
when et asked what it was like when “everybody was following you around and chasing you,” the “when calls the heart” actor said that most importantly, he was thankful to have grown such a large fanbase who wanted to show their support.
“yeah. You know, i think the older you get, it’s, it’s such a blessing to have had that window of celebrity, you know? And so that’s how i feel about it,” wagner stated.
jack wagner recalls fans chasing him
et also asked if he had advice for travis kelce and his brother, jason kelce, who the reporter noted have come into a larger audience since the chiefs player began dating taylor swift.
“i think these guys are well-grounded. I know them both,” wagner said. “They’re really good guys, you know, and that’s the key to it.”
while also on the green at edgewood tahoe resort in stateline, nevada, wagner expressed how much he’s enjoyed being on hallmark channel’s “wcth” for 13-going-on-14 seasons.
“so grateful to, you know, have this run on that, that show, and with that network,” wagner said. “And lori loughlin’s coming back to the show this year, which is awesome. She’s terrific. So looking forward to season 14.”
the actor went on to share how filming a new “wcth” season each year reminds him of what it felt like to return to school as a kid after summer break.
“it’s like you’re going back to school from summer. That’s what it feels like getting back to the set on ‘when calls the heart.’ You know? We’re all kind of pinching ourselves,” he said.
“it’s just got this really great family-friendly audience that just loves this little show,” wagner added.
jack wagner confirms ‘wcth’ season 14 film schedule
the hallmark star also confirmed that filming “wcth” season 14 will begin in august and wrap in november.
although filming won’t begin until a few weeks from now, cast fittings have already started. Ava grace cooper, miranda macdougall, and pascale hutton have all been featured on the “wcth” instagram in videos of them trying on their character costumes.
“we’re back at it!” The show’s ig handle captioned a clip of hutton on july 9 as she transitioned into her character rosemary coulter.
as wagner mentioned in his interview with et, lori loughlin will be stepping back into her role as abigail stanton. Loughlin’s character was written out of the “wcth” script after season 6 in 2019 when she was indicted in march for the college admissions scandal involving her and mossimo giannulli’s two daughters. Isabella and olivia.
with no cast exits having been mentioned since the conclusion of season 13, those who are expected to return — as well as old, favorite faces — will likely be on set when filming picks back up next month. |
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| Twins Just Made Another Pitching Bet That Will Split Fans |
| Posted on Sunday, July 12 @ 00:01:14 PDT (11 reads) | |
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The twins closed out day one of the draft by taking tommy lapour with the 107th overall pick, making it three straight pitchers to finish the night.
lapour brings the kind of frame teams dream on: 6-foot-4, right-handed, and armed with real velocity. He was already sitting in the mid-90s in high school, then cracked wichita state’s rotation as a freshman before moving on to tcu. His sophomore season in the big 12 put him on the radar in a big way, as he posted a 3.09 era in 16 starts.
this spring didn’t go nearly as smoothly. Elbow soreness knocked him out for a couple of months, and when he returned, command was an issue in a limited sample. Even so, the upside was enough for minnesota to jump in, and the uncertainty may have helped push him into a range where the twins could grab him.
the stuff starts with a delivery that looks pretty sound from a 3/4 arm slot. He doesn’t create much extension, but the ball gets on hitters in a hurry. His fastball lives in the mid-90s and can creep toward triple digits, with the ability to miss bats up in the zone and get some sink down low.
behind it, lapour mixes in a slider in the mid-80s with solid two-plane movement and a harder cutter in the upper 80s. Neither pitch is especially sharp, though, and both come with questions about spin and consistency. He also has a changeup in the upper 80s that has shown some whiff potential and could become a usable finishing pitch against lefties.
the package comes with plenty of volatility. Lapour has the look of a back-end starter, but his high-energy style may ultimately point him toward the bullpen, where the fastball can play up even more.
in other news...
twins fans have waited years to hear this from pohlad
for years, twins fans have heard variations of the same message: stay competitive, keep the pipeline moving, trust the process. Tom pohlad used a different tone this time. The chairman said the organization understands it has to raise its payroll investment if it wants to do more than hang around the race, and he framed the goal in much bigger terms than simply remaining relevant in september.
pohlad also made clear that consistency is only the starting point, not the finish line, and that playoff progress will require bolder moves and real spending. He expressed confidence in general manager jeremy zoll, but the larger point was aimed at the fan base as much as the front office: support is earned by what the club does on the field and by how aggressively it shows a commitment to winning, not by promises alone. [Read more ????]
twins may have just answered their biggest catcher question
the twins used the no. 3 overall pick in the 2026 mlb draft on georgia tech catcher vahn lackey, giving the organization a high-end prospect at a position that has been a constant question mark in the system. It was a notable choice on its own, and it carried extra weight because minnesota has not spent a first-round pick on a catcher since joe mauer, a reminder of how rarely the club has gone this route at the top of the draft.
lackey arrives with the kind of profile that made him one of the most intriguing names on the board, with some evaluators seeing a possible five-tool catcher and other clubs surely weighing him as well. His college track record and scouting grades help explain why the twins were willing to make the move, and why this pick feels like more than just another premium selection, even if the real test will come once he starts climbing the ladder in pro ball. [Read more ????]
twins may be forced off their draft plan at no. 3
with the third overall pick in the 2026 mlb draft, the twins look positioned to land a premium talent, but the shape of that board could push them in a different direction than the one they might prefer. Minnesota has been linked to shortstops grady emerson and roch cholowsky, along with catcher vahn lackey, and the early read is that the club is leaning toward college players rather than emerson, whose path would likely take more time.
keith laws latest read on the class only adds to the uncertainty, since the twins may have to react to how the first two picks and the clubs ahead of them break. If cholowsky is there, he could be the obvious fit, but minnesota may not get that clean a choice, and the possibility of a pivot to another college bat or arm is very much alive as the draft order starts to sort itself out. [Read more ????] |
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| Breaking: Maryland Adds 21st 2027 Commitment as Edge Dallas Pauldo Picks Terps O |
| Posted on Sunday, July 12 @ 00:01:14 PDT (11 reads) | |
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Breaking: maryland adds 21st 2027 commitment as edge dallas pauldo picks terps over arkansas, mizzou
in this story:
maryland’s recruiting momentum kept rolling on saturday as the terps secured their 21st commitment in the 2027 class, landing explosive edge rusher dallas pauldo after a head?To?Head battle with arkansas and missouri. Pauldo’s decision adds another high?Ceiling defender to a class that continues to trend upward, reinforcing maryland’s growing presence in early-cycle recruiting battles.
pauldo arrives as a key addition to maryland’s defensive front, joining a young core that already includes two high-upside trench prospects in the 2027 class. He pairs with zeke walkup, the 6?Foot-4, 250?Pound edge rusher from cannon county (tn) whose length and motor give maryland a true perimeter disruptor, and jayden agberodiola, the massive 6?Foot-3, 340?Pound interior force from rockvale (tn) who anchors the middle with power and space?Eating strength.
pauldo also becomes the newest member of maryland’s growing tennessee pipeline, joining three volunteer state defenders already committed in the 2027 class. He now pairs with agberodiola, walkup, and shelvy clark, the athletic linebacker out of germantown who brings range and physicality to the second level. With pauldo added to that trio, maryland continues to build a tough, sec?Country defensive core that blends size, versatility, and early?Cycle upside.
pauldo arrives with a strong early profile, rated an 89 overall by 247sports and positioned as the no. 58 defensive lineman nationally in the 2027 class. At 6?Foot-5 and 245 pounds, he brings the length, frame, and athletic upside that fit maryland’s vision for a disruptive edge presence. Coming out of rockvale high school in rockvale, tennessee, pauldo’s combination of size, movement skills, and developmental ceiling makes him one of the more intriguing defensive additions in maryland’s cycle haul, with room to grow into a multi?Position impact player along the front.
maryland won a meaningful recruiting battle for pauldo, outlasting missouri and arkansas in a three?Team race that heated up through june. Pauldo held 11 total offers and took three visits, including a key june 19 stop in college park that ultimately sealed his commitment. Arkansas made its push earlier with a may 29 visit and a deeper defensive line board, while missouri, led by recruiter levorn harbin, hosted pauldo on june 5 and pitched a smaller dl class with more immediate opportunity.
pauldo’s profile is even more impressive when you consider the broader interest he’s drawn. He also holds offers from defending national champion indiana, memphis, mtsu, and mercer, underscoring how widely his potential is recognized. His athleticism shows up on both sides of the ball, pauldo was a first?Team all?Area tight end in murfreesboro in 2025, earning region 3?6a co?Tight end of the year honors after posting 21 receptions for 209 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, he added 33 tackles and four sacks as a disruptive edge presence. That two?Way production highlights his versatility, physicality, and upside, all traits maryland believes will translate into impact along the defensive line.
in the end, maryland’s fit, development plan, and roster outlook at defensive line proved decisive, allowing the terps to secure a high?Upside defender over pther power four programs that were firmly in the mix.
pauldo projects as an immediate asset to maryland’s defensive front when he arrives in 2027, giving the terps another long, athletic pass?Rusher who fits the modern big ten profile. His 6?Foot-5, 245?Pound frame already mirrors college?Ready size, and with his burst and length, he can contribute early as a rotational edge defender who helps maryland generate more consistent pressure on passing downs.
as he develops, pauldo has the upside to grow into an every?Down edge who sets the edge against the run, collapses pockets with his reach, and complements the interior power of players like agberodiola. His addition strengthens maryland’s ability to build a deeper, more versatile defensive line, one capable of matching the physicality and tempo of the conference’s top offenses.
maryland’s addition of pauldo caps another strong early-cycle win and reinforces the program’s growing national reach on the recruiting trail. With his blend of size, versatility, and proven production, pauldo fits seamlessly into the defensive foundation maryland is building in the 2027 class, one strengthened by emerging pipeline in tennessee. Beating out multiple programs for a high-upside edge defender underscores the staff’s momentum and evaluation success, and pauldo’s development trajectory suggests his best football is still ahead.
as the terps continue stacking talent across the defensive front, pauldo’s commitment stands as another meaningful step toward constructing a deeper, more dynamic unit built to compete in the big ten.
more from maryland on si
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michael cavallo
michael is a passionate sports writer who covers major league baseball, the nfl, college football, maryland university, rutgers university, and monmouth football. With published work at fansided, the rutgers wire (usa today), and the league winners, michael delivers insightful analysis, in-depth features, and timely coverage that connects fans to the heart of the game. His work highlights key storylines and standout performances across both professional (nfl & mlb) and collegiate sports (football, baseball, basketball, and wrestling), with a strong focus on new jersey-based programs. |
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| 2026 Mets Draft profile: Carson Wiggins |
| Posted on Sunday, July 12 @ 00:01:14 PDT (11 reads) | |
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Carson wiggins attended roland high school in roland, oklahoma, where he quickly set himself apart from the pack as a legitimate baseball pitching prospect on the travel ball circuit as well as in the oklahoma secondary school activities association. Between his freshman and senior seasons, wiggins transformed from a tall and lanky 5’10”, 145-pound string bean into a 6’5”, 210-pound baseball behemoth. On the power of a fastball that sat in the mid-to-upper-90s and a devastating breaking ball, the big right-hander struck out 261 batters in 117.0 total innings with the roland rangers and posted a 0.97 era in 36.0 innings in his senior year, allowing nine hits and striking out 93 batters.
2026 mets draft profile: carson wiggins
with their first-round pick in the 2026 draft, the mets selected carson wiggins, a rhp from the university of arkansas.
a highly scouted pitching prospect, who many believed was the number one high school pitching prospect in the state, wiggins had had a strong commitment to the university of arkansas and was not drafted in the 2024 mlb draft as a result. His older brother, jaxon, had been drafted by the cubs with the 68th overall pick in the 2023 mlb draft out of the university, and now coach head coach van horn would have another wiggins to work with.
the right-hander got off to a quick start in his first season at arkansas, striking out batters in bunches out of the razorbacks bullpen. Through 14 appearances, he posted a 3.21 era, allowing 7 hits, walking 9, and striking out 20 batters in 14.0 innings. Unfortunately, in late april, wiggins hurt his elbow and had his season end prematurely. Ucl internal brace surgery- a procedure that anchors the ligament in place to allow it to heal properly in lieu of tommy john surgery- followed, costing the right-hander not just the rest of the 2025 season, but all of 2026 as well, as his doctors recommended that the right-hander not pitch despite considering him fully healthy, much to the dismay of coach van horn.
prior to his injury, the 6’5”, 215-pound right-hander threw from a three-quarters arm slot with a simple, loose, repeatable delivery without many moving parts. For the most part, he was a two-pitch pitcher, relying on a four-seam fastball and a power breaking ball; he occasionally threw a low-to-mid-80s changeup while in high school, but a rarely used the pitch at arkansas. While wiggins he did have a great deal of success blowing batters away with his fastball and getting them to chase his breaking ball, he has to work on his command of both.
his fastball comfortably sat in the mid-to-high-90s, topping out at 102 mph just prior to injuring his elbow in april 2025. The pitch was more than just pure heat, as it generally averaged around 2,500 rpm of spin, well-above-average for a four-seam fastball, giving the pitch excellent rising action. Wiggins participated in the 2026 mlb draft combine, where he threw 15 pitches from the mound, and while obviously not throwing full effort, the pitch topped out at 97.4 mph, the ninth highest velocity reading recorded on day 2 of the combine, sitting in the mid-90s.
he complemented the pitch with a mid-80s power breaking ball that occasionally looked more like a slider and occasionally looked more like a curveball. His breaking ball featured spin rates around 2,600, giving the pitch sharp slicing action when it came out of his hands as more of a slider and power up-down vertical break when it came out of his hands as a curveball. During the 2026 mlb draft combine, wiggins’ breaking ball averaged 2720 rpm. In his one healthy season at arkansas, batters went 1-16 against the pitch, with 14 strikeouts.
having attended the 2026 mld draft combine, the right-hander underwent a comprehensive medical exam, and as such, is guaranteed at least 75% percent of the assigned pick value for the 27th overall pick; with a slot value of $3,466,500, wiggins cannot be offered any less than $2,599,875. With the right-hander red-shirting in 2025 and 2026, he remains eligible to return to arkansas should he and the mets be unable to come to terms. Wiggins has expressed disappointment about not being able to pitch more for the razorbacks and not being able to pitch in omaha during the college world series and could conceptually return for his red-shirt junior season in 2027, leveraging the potential of a more defined post-surgery track record at the collegiate level against what the mets are willing to offer him. |
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