QtrendsMikel Merino's late heroics send Spain past Belgium and into a World Cup semifinal clash with France. England receives injury boosts as Rice, Guehi and James all train ahead of their quarterfinal against Norway. FIFA puts nearly 1,200 final tickets on sale at $7,380 and sells pieces of the final field for $450. Wimbledon crowns an all-Czech women's final as Karolína Muchová outlasts Coco Gauff and will face compatriot Linda Nosková.
Mikel Merino scored a late winner for the second straight knockout match as Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarterfinals. The Real Sociedad midfielder has become an unlikely hero for La Roja, repeating his dramatic late heroics from the round of 16. Spain now advances to a blockbuster semifinal showdown with France.
The remarkable story of Mikel Merino continues to captivate, with Sky Sports and BBC chronicling his journey from riding a mobility scooter to becoming Spain's World Cup hero in just six months. Merino's late winners against both Belgium and Saudi Arabia have set up a highly anticipated semifinal clash with France. Analysts note Spain is still waiting for Lamine Yamal to fully deliver on the big stage.
FIFA has put nearly 1,200 remaining tickets on sale for the World Cup final at a price of $7,380 each, while also selling pieces of the actual playing field used for the final at $450 per piece. Quarterfinal resale prices have dropped as availability increases. The aggressive pricing strategy highlights the immense commercial value of the tournament's final match.
England received a major injury boost ahead of their World Cup quarterfinal against Norway as Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James all participated in training. The trio's availability strengthens England's depth for a crucial knockout match. Their return is seen as a significant morale lift for the squad.
Karolína Muchová defeated Coco Gauff in a thrilling Wimbledon semifinal to set up an all-Czech women's singles final against compatriot Linda Nosková. The match continues a rich Czech tennis tradition at the All England Club, with the winner becoming the third Czech female champion at Wimbledon in four years. The final has drawn comparisons to the country's tennis legends from Martina Navratilova onwards.