United News of Bangladesh

Julian Alvarez scored a stunning long-range goal in the 112th minute as defending champions Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time to book a place in the World Cup semifinals on Saturday. Lautaro Martinez added another goal in the closing seconds of extra time, giving Argentina a more comfortable-looking victory than the closely contested match suggested. Argentina will now face England in the semifinals on Wednesday in Atlanta after the Three Lions defeated Norway 2-1 earlier in the day. Argentina, Switzerland level 1-1 after 90 minutes in World Cup quarterfinal Messi's run of scoring in nine consecutive World Cup matches came to an end, although his bid for a second World Cup title remains alive. The match turned on a controversial decision after Switzerland's equaliser. Argentina's Leandro Paredes was initially shown a yellow card for a challenge on Breel Embolo, but video review found Embolo had been falling before contact. Since Embolo had already received a yellow card earlier, the booking was transferred to him under the World Cup's "mistaken identity" protocol, resulting in a red card and leaving Switzerland to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.

Argentina and Switzerland remained deadlocked at 1-1 after 90 minutes in their FIFA World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday, sending the match into extra time as the Swiss were reduced to 10 men following the late dismissal of Breel Embolo. Defending champions Argentina took the lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister headed home from a Lionel Messi corner. Switzerland drew level in the second half through Dan Ndoye, keeping alive their hopes of reaching a World Cup semifinal for the first time. The winners of the match will face England in the semifinals on Wednesday in Atlanta. England secured their place with a 2-1 victory over Norway earlier on Saturday. Shortly after Switzerland equalised, Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was initially shown a yellow card for a challenge on Embolo. However, video replays indicated that Embolo had already been falling before any contact was made. After a review, officials determined that Embolo, who had already been booked earlier in the match, should instead receive the caution, resulting in his second yellow card and a red card. Switzerland were therefore forced to play the remainder of the match with 10 players. It marked the second time at this World Cup that a yellow card decision was corrected under the tournament's "mistaken identity" protocol, which allows the video assistant referee (VAR) to intervene when the wrong player is shown a yellow or red card.

Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the third one-day international on Saturday, chasing down a target of 200 with 14 overs remaining at Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe won the three-match series 2-1 after taking the opening two games. Tanzid Hasan made 94 from 101 balls and Soumya Sarkar scored 69 from 82 deliveries as the pair added 151 for the first wicket, Bangladesh's highest opening stand against Zimbabwe in ODIs. Soumya was bowled by Tanaka Chivanga in the 28th over with Bangladesh on 151. Tanzid fell six runs short of his first ODI century when he was caught attempting a six with Bangladesh needing three runs to win. Najmul Hossain Shanto finished unbeaten on 18 and completed the chase. Earlier, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 199 in 48.1 overs after Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz won the toss and chose to field. The hosts slipped to 27 for 3 after Taskin Ahmed dismissed Brian Bennett and Shoriful Islam removed Ben Curran. Wessly Madhevere made 75 from 74 balls and added 51 with Innocent Kaia, who scored 25. Sikandar Raza was dismissed for 11 by Tanvir Islam, and Clive Madande followed soon after. Brad Evans top-scored for Zimbabwe with 50 from 43 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes. Shoriful returned 4 for 44, Taskin took 2 for 32, and Tanvir finished with 2 for 37. Bangladesh had lost the first two ODIs before avoiding a series whitewash with the win. The teams will meet again in a three-match Twenty20 series starting on July 15.  

FIFA has begun selling pieces of the pitch that will be used in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, offering fans a chance to own a souvenir from the tournament for $450 per piece. The collectible, available through FIFA's official online store, contains an authentic fragment of the grass from the July 19 final, preserved in premium acrylic and accompanied by a USB keepsake. According to FIFA, each turf segment measures 17.5 by 17.5 by 17.5, although the governing body has not specified whether the measurements are in inches, centimetres or millimetres. Promoting the item, FIFA described it as a unique collectible celebrating one of football's biggest events. The organisation said the acrylic display includes an authenticity film and is packaged in a premium presentation box designed for collectors and football enthusiasts. Orders will be shipped only after the World Cup final, and delivery is currently limited to addresses in the United States and Europe. The sale comes as FIFA has faced criticism over the high cost of tickets for the expanded World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. MetLife Stadium, the venue for the final, has also drawn criticism from players and coaches over the quality of its playing surface. The stadium normally uses artificial turf for NFL games involving the New York Giants and New York Jets. FIFA is also selling standard tickets for the World Cup final for as much as $32,970, while hospitality packages that include food and beverages are priced at $34,500 and $32,500.

Lamine Yamal thinks France should be afraid of Spain with the European giants headed to a World Cup semifinal showdown on Tuesday. “I believe if France has to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion," the teenage sensation told broadcast reporters after Spain beat Belgium 2-1 on Friday to secure its first semifinal berth since 2010. "We were the ones who knocked them out before.” Spain beat France in the 2024 European Championship semifinals and again in Nations League play last year. Yamal became the youngest player to score in the continental competition. The powerhouses meet again at the home stadium of the Dallas Cowboys next week for a spot in the final. “We don’t fear anyone,” said Yamal, who was named the man of the match against Belgium. "It’s clear that we are two great teams, world-class national teams, and for me they are one of the best. We’ll see what happens.” Spain advanced on a winning goal by substitute Mikel Merino in the 88th minute of the quarterfinals at SoFi Stadium. La Roja conceded its only goal of the entire World Cup late in the first half against Belgium, while France has piled up 16 goals in its six World Cup matches. France has made the past two World Cup finals, winning it all in 2018. Spain has made only one World Cup final in its history, but the current team is unbeaten in 37 consecutive competitive matches since March 2023 — a stretch that also includes a loss on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final last year. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has been asked by the international media about this potential showdown with France throughout the tournament, but particularly since the start of the knockout rounds two weeks ago. He has been uniformly complimentary of Les Bleus while echoing his own players' confidence. “Let me be clear: We are not finished,” de la Fuente said. “We are pleased to be in the semifinals, but we want more. ... We are capable of winning this game, and not just now, but I would have said this a few weeks ago as well." Yamal, who turns 19 on Monday, has only one goal and no assists while putting 10 shots on target in his first World Cup, but his playmaking and activity down the right side of Spain's attack have been noticeable in almost every match. He started the sequence that led to Spain's first goal against Belgium in a two-man game with Pedro Porro, eventually leading to Fabián Ruiz's rebound goal off Dani Olmo's shot. Yamal said his modest statistics don't bother him, noting that he also scored only one goal (with four assists) while Spain won the European Championship two years ago. Although Spain needed a late goal from Merino to win for the second straight match, Yamal believes his team is ready for the challenge of the World Cup's dominant team so far. Yamal cited Spain's acumen in ball possession — a stat they've repeatedly dominated during this World Cup — as a way to take France out of its preferred style of play. “I think we were much better, (than Belgium)," Yamal said. "It seems like we’re playing very beautiful football, but in reality, there isn’t a team that plays against us on equal footing. Everyone drops back, and that makes it more difficult. Nobody has gone toe-to-toe with us. But in the end, we secured the win.”

Erling Haaland has been one of the biggest stars of the FIFA World Cup — not only for his goal-scoring ability but also for the online personality that has turned him into a social media sensation. The Norwegian striker, who stands 6 feet 5 inches tall, has scored seven goals in four World Cup matches heading into Norway's quarterfinal against England on Saturday. While his performances on the pitch have earned praise, his playful social media presence has attracted a new generation of fans, including many who had little interest in football before. Known for his powerful style of play, Haaland has also gained attention online for his light-hearted posts, humorous selfies and interactions with fans. His flowing blond hair, colourful hair ties and quirky sense of humour have inspired countless memes across social media platforms. Fans often describe him as both a fearsome striker and an unexpectedly soft-hearted personality. Many affectionately refer to him as a "babygirl" — an internet term used for male celebrities who appear kind, funny or emotionally expressive despite their tough public image. The contrast between Haaland's commanding presence on the field and his relaxed personality off it has helped make him one of football's most talked-about figures. Sarah Wilson, a baseball content creator from New York who only recently began following football, said Haaland quickly became her favourite player. In a viral video, the 31-year-old joked that she "cannot fathom being such a pretty Norwegian princess and also being one of the best strikers in all of football." Wilson believes Haaland's popularity comes from combining world-class talent with a personality that feels relatable to younger audiences. "He is incredibly talented, but then you see him using Snapchat filters and joking online like many people his age," she told The Associated Press. "You end up thinking, 'He's hilarious. Now he's my favourite player.'" Haaland has embraced his growing online fame by sharing humorous Instagram selfies, posting YouTube videos and interacting with fans through Snapchat. After scoring twice to eliminate Brazil from the World Cup, he posted a smiling locker-room selfie with the caption, "Well well well." He has also jokingly responded to memes comparing his hairstyle to a green onion and encouraged fans to search his name on Google after a special Viking-themed animation appeared in search results. Speaking at Norway's team news conference on Thursday, Haaland said he has enjoyed the warm support from fans in the United States. "I like the Americans. I think they are funny," he said. "The World Cup here has been amazing." Experts say Haaland's popularity reflects how modern athletes are increasingly becoming global entertainment figures through social media. Jeffrey Kassing, a professor at Arizona State University who studies athletes' use of social media, said players now have much greater control over how they present themselves to the public than in previous generations. In the past, fans mainly saw athletes through interviews or press conferences. Today, players can communicate directly with millions of followers, allowing supporters to feel a closer personal connection. That one-sided emotional connection, known as a parasocial relationship, is common among sports fans, according to Gayle Stever, a professor at Empire State University who has studied celebrity-fan relationships for decades. She said most of these relationships are healthy, although a small number of fans can become overly attached. Australian sports management student Skyla Clarke said social media has also exposed footballers to harsh criticism and online abuse after poor performances. Haaland has previously described AI-generated images and videos of players as "a bit scary." Still, he said the attention surrounding Norway and its traditions is a positive sign. "Usually if it's like that, it means that you're doing something right," Haaland said. Haaland is not the only footballer to inspire devoted online communities. Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić has also attracted widespread affection from fans, particularly after Croatia's exit from what was expected to be his final international tournament. Ahead of Norway's quarterfinal against England, many fans have also focused on Haaland's close friendship with England midfielder Jude Bellingham, his former club teammate. Social media users have created videos and edits celebrating their friendship, further adding to Haaland's growing online popularity. Among Haaland's newest supporters is Nulara Ratwatté, a 19-year-old art student at the University of Melbourne, whose videos about the striker have gone viral. Although she admits she knew little about football before the World Cup, she now follows Norway closely. Describing Haaland as "a big, friendly giant," Ratwatté said: "Truly, from the bottom of my heart, I love him."

Mikel Merino delivered another late match-winning goal as Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 on Friday to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup semifinals, where they will face France. Just days after scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Portugal, Merino once again made an immediate impact from the bench. Introduced in the 86th minute, he scored two minutes later after Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold Pau Cubarsí's shot, allowing Merino to tap in the decisive goal. The Arsenal midfielder said he was delighted to help Spain once again, crediting both preparation and persistence for being in the right place at the right time. Spain had taken the lead in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz converted a rebound, but Belgium equalized before halftime through Charles De Ketelaere, ending Spain's remarkable run of not conceding a goal throughout the tournament. Merino's late strike sent Spain into its first World Cup semifinal since lifting the trophy in 2010. The victory also set up a highly anticipated clash with France in Arlington, Texas, with both unbeaten teams seeking a place in the final. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expressed confidence ahead of the semifinal, describing it as a meeting between two football giants while insisting his side has what it takes to overcome the tournament favorites. Belgium suffered a major setback in the second half when first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury. Lammens replaced him in his first World Cup appearance but was unable to prevent Merino's late winner after spilling a powerful effort inside the penalty area. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia praised his players' performance, saying they matched Spain for much of the contest but lacked the fortune needed to defeat a team of Spain's quality. Defender Brandon Mechele also said the squad could take pride in its tournament despite the heartbreaking exit. Spain extended its unbeaten run in competitive matches to 37 games, while Belgium's 18-match unbeaten streak came to an end. The match also ended Spain's impressive defensive record after goalkeeper Unai Simón had gone 650 World Cup minutes without conceding. That streak was broken when De Ketelaere headed in Timothy Castagne's cross before halftime. Belgium was further weakened before kickoff after captain Youri Tielemans suffered an injury during the warm-up, joining defender Amadou Onana on the sidelines.  

Portugal has appointed veteran coach Jorge Jesus as the new head coach of its national football team following the country's disappointing Round of 16 exit at the FIFA World Cup. The Portuguese Football Federation announced the appointment on Friday, confirming that the 71-year-old will succeed Roberto Martinez, whose tenure ended after Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the last 16. Jesus brings decades of coaching experience, having managed several top Portuguese clubs, including Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. Most recently, he was in charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Announcing the appointment on social media platform X, the Portuguese national team said: "A new journey begins today. Welcome to the National Team, Mister Jorge Jesus." Portugal's early World Cup elimination prompted a change in leadership as the federation looks to rebuild ahead of future international competitions.

Thousands of football fans gathered at El-Alamein Airport on Friday to welcome home Egypt's national team after its memorable World Cup campaign ended with a 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the knockout stage. Supporters waved pictures of captain Mohamed Salah, carried banners praising the team and cheered as the players returned from the tournament. Egypt reached the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time in the country's history after defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout, with Salah playing a key role in the victory. The squad is scheduled to meet President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi on Saturday. Earlier this week, the president thanked the team in a Facebook post for what he described as its "honourable performance" and for achieving a historic milestone in Egyptian football. The team's World Cup run had united fans across the country, with people gathering in homes, cafés and public squares to watch Tuesday's match against Argentina. Egyptian flags were displayed from balconies, shops and streets as supporters rallied behind the team. Meanwhile, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has raised concerns over the officiating in the match, saying it was dissatisfied with several refereeing decisions, including those involving the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan and several players also criticised the referees after Argentina scored three unanswered goals in 13 minutes to complete one of the biggest comeback victories in World Cup history. In a statement, the EFA said protecting the rights and interests of the national team "cannot be ignored or treated as a secondary issue." Responding to the criticism, FIFA's head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, said debate over refereeing decisions is a normal part of football but rejected what he called "unfounded allegations" against match officials. He stressed that no one should question the integrity of FIFA World Cup referees, warning that such accusations can lead to threats against officials and their families.

Australia's Twenty20 domestic competition will open its cricket season in India in December and Big Bash League officials are hoping for a big turnout at Chennai's 38,000-seat MA Chidambaram Stadium. After months of speculation, the Melbourne Renegades’ match against the Perth Scorchers on Dec. 12 was confirmed during a special event at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday led by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. It marks the first time a BBL match will be played outside of Australia. The evening match in Australia will start in the afternoon in India and follow the conclusion of the fourth day of the test between Australia and New Zealand in Perth, Western Australia.