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Bellingham Carries England Into the Semifinal, Klopp Takes Over Germany

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Bellingham Carries England Into the Semifinal, Klopp Takes Over Germany

England Overran Norway With Two Bellingham Goals and Set Up a Semifinal With Argentina

At Hard Rock in Miami, Norway went ahead in the 36th minute - a cross-shot from Sorloth caught Pickford out and fell into the top corner. But then Jude Bellingham came on and turned the story around by himself. First he equalized in first-half stoppage time, then in extra time he forced home the winner after keeper Nyland spilled a shot. England 2:1 Norway, and a place in the semifinal against Argentina, which eliminated Switzerland after extra time. The refereeing angle? A Kane goal ruled out for offside, a second Norwegian goal wiped off for a Haaland foul - VAR was once again the main topic, as at every major tournament.

Argentina Knocked Out Switzerland After Drama, Messi Demands Respect From the Referee

Argentina didn't have it easy - Switzerland were a step from a sensation, and Embolo was left furious with VAR and the referee after one decision in the quarterfinal changed the flow. In the end experience decided and Argentina set up a semifinal against England. Amid all of it, Messi confronted the referee with a line that went around the world: "Speak to me with respect." The thirty-eight-year-old captain is once again in a World Cup semifinal - the man many wrote off three years ago now stands one step from the final again.

France Are the Number One Favorites, but Spain and England Are Knocking on the Door

If anyone should be feared at this World Cup, it's France. Mbappe and Dembele lead an attack that makes defenses tremble, and the team cruised through the groups and beat Morocco 2:0 in the quarterfinal. The final is set for July 19. But not everyone is convinced - Spain went five matches without conceding a goal, and England just showed they have the character for hard nights. Who will stop France? Maybe no one. And maybe that very certainty is what topples the favorites at every World Cup.

Barcelona Signed Adeyemi From Dortmund for 22 Million Euros

While the World Cup goes on, the clubs work quietly. Barcelona have agreed a deal for Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund - a fixed fee of 22 million euros plus bonuses and a resale clause, after a first offer of 20 million was rejected. A fast, versatile forward who last season finished with 10 goals and 6 assists and was part of Dortmund's run to the Champions League final. This is the Catalans' second attacking signing this summer, after the arrival of Gordon from Newcastle. Barcelona are building for attack - the question is whether they'll find room for everyone in the squad.

Jurgen Klopp Becomes Germany's Head Coach

And a piece of news that will kick up dust across Europe: Jurgen Klopp is returning to the bench, this time as Germany's head coach. The man who lifted Liverpool to the top of England and Europe now takes over the biggest national team that has been searching for itself for years. Germany had the play, had the names, but was missing exactly what Klopp brings - energy, an idea, the feeling that the team believes in something. If anyone can wake up the German machine, it's the man who turned every squad into a team. The Balkans will watch with interest - Klopp on the international stage is a show in itself.