- Spain go into the Dallas semi confident they can beat France, leaning on recent wins over Les Bleus and eyeing their first World Cup final since 2010.
- Rodri singles out 19‑year‑old Lamine Yamal as a game‑changer but urges him to stay calm under the big‑stage pressure.
- The captain has embraced leadership off the pitch and says winning the World Cup is the ultimate goal.
The news, distilled into what matters.
- Trump warned the U.S. will "take out" Pickaxe Mountain in Iran and suggested strikes could happen soon.
- The U.S. said it is reinstating a blockade of Iranian shipping and will keep the Strait of Hormuz open "for a fee."
- Pickaxe Mountain—near the damaged Natanz facility—is heavily fortified with deep tunnels experts say may be beyond current bunker-buster reach.
- Ex-England defender Gary Pallister says Lionel Messi is “more mortal now” — still brilliant but not as unstoppable as in his peak.
- England face Argentina in Atlanta, with belief in Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham and talk of tactics to limit Messi’s influence.
- Messi remains dangerous and historic — top World Cup scorer this tournament and a contender for another Golden Ball, so a moment of magic is still possible.
- World Cup betting has hit record levels as the semifinals feature FIFA’s top four — sportsbooks expect wagering to keep climbing.
- France is the favorite vs. Spain (Kylian Mbappé is the tournament’s most-bet anytime scorer), with heavy money on France to advance and an unusually high take on draws.
- England vs. Argentina is very close in the markets (many bettors even favour a draw); sportsbooks say an England–Spain final would be the ideal outcome for them.
- Jorge Jesus (71) says he will keep selecting Cristiano Ronaldo (41) for Portugal while the forward is fit, calling him a "symbol" and insisting he won't be a problem for the team.
- Jesus signed a four-year contract through the 2030 World Cup, with immediate focus on the Nations League and the long-term aim of success when Portugal co-hosts 2030.
- Arriving fresh from club success, Jesus faces the task of blending Ronaldo's veteran influence with Portugal's emerging "golden generation."
- Captain Rodri urges 19‑year‑old Yamal to calm his anxiety to regain his natural explosiveness on the wing.
- Yamal says goals aren't everything — he’ll do whatever helps Spain win and remains confident despite a quieter tournament.
- Spain head into a tight World Cup showdown with France, not the open 5-4 affair fans remember, but with recent wins boosting their belief.
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