France Already in the Semifinal and a Big Favourite, Merino Carries Spain, Norway Hunts England's Scalp

France First Into the Semifinal - and Already the Favourite for the Trophy

While the rest of the world is still fighting for every place, France already sits in the World Cup semifinal. Against Morocco, which many had billed as a tough test, "les Bleus" went through 2:0 - goals from Mbappe and Dembele, without breaking a sweat. Before that they steamrolled through the group stage over Senegal, Iraq and Norway, and in the knockout they blew away Sweden. The question everyone is asking ahead of the final on 19 July isn't who will stop France, but whether anyone can at all. Their attack is terrifying, their defence solid - a combination rarely found in one place.

Barcelona Took Adeyemi From Dortmund for 22 Million

The Catalans have agreed with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of German international Karim Adeyemi. The fixed sum is 22 million euros (18.7 million pounds), plus bonuses tied to appearances and a percentage of a future sale, after a first offer of 20 million was rejected. That Barcelona is doing transfers while sporting director Deco sits in the stands of the World Cup in the US shows how carefully it is planning. Adeyemi arrives after four seasons at Dortmund, where he was regarded as one of the fastest wingers in the Bundesliga and played a key role in the run to the Champions League final in 2024.

Xabi Alonso Took the Chelsea Bench on a Four-Year Contract

Chelsea have officially presented Xabi Alonso as their new manager. The contract was struck back in May, and Alonso replaces Liam Rosenior on the "Blues" bench. In his first address, the Spanish strategist spoke more about culture than about trophies - "success is a consequence of good work, quality decisions, a good club culture", he said. Fine words, but in London patience is short: a club that changes managers like shirts rarely lets anyone build a "process". The question is whether Alonso will get the time to prove his philosophy or become just another name on a long list.

Merino - the Golden Joker Carrying Spain Toward the Semifinal

Spain are in the World Cup semifinal, and the hero is again called Mikel Merino. He scored the winning goal against Belgium to secure the place, after previously eliminating Portugal too with a goal in the 91st minute. The figure that says it all: in nine minutes of play across two matches, with only two shots, Merino scored two winning goals. The first Spaniard in history with two goals at a World Cup after the 80th minute. A substitute who decides games - that's every coach's dream. In the semifinal, favourites France await them, and Spain are already promising a spectacle.

Norway Hunts England's Scalp, and the Euphoria at Home Is Historic

The last quarterfinal clash carries perhaps the greatest drama for the neutral viewer: Norway against England. The Norwegians, beaten by France in the group, are now hunting a fresh upset against the favourites, and attention is fixed on the duel of the two strikers - Erling Haaland and Harry Kane. England's captain rejected the comparisons: "He's a beast, don't compare us." At home in Norway there reigns a euphoria not remembered in a long time - a country that rarely gets this far is now on the cusp of the semifinal. Will the beast from Manchester City bring down England, or will "Proud Albion" calm an entire nation?