Japan and Sweden booked their places in the knockout phase of the World Cup as they drew 1-1 in their final Group F clash in Dallas. The point sends Japan through in second place behind the Netherlands with Sweden top of the third-place teams, dealing another blow to Scotland’s hopes of reaching the last 32.
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Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo scored two each as the Netherlands cruised to a 5-1 victory over Sweden to go top of World Cup Group F. Oranje boss Ronald Koeman sprang something of a surprise by selecting Brobbey ahead of Crysencio Summerville, a goalscorer in their opening 2-2 draw with Japan, but the decision was quickly vindicated as the striker scored twice in the opening 17 minutes. Anthony Elanga pulled one back for Graham Potter’s Sweden just before the hour, substitute Summerville had the final say in the 90th minute.
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Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski each scored twice as a rampant Barcelona dumped Newcastle United out of the Champions League. The visitors showed immense spirit to twice equalise through the rapid Anthony Elanga in a competitive first half and cancel out goals from Raphinha and Marc Bernal. But the Magpies fell apart after the restart and goals from Fermin Lopez, Raphinha and a double from Lewandowski ended their European adventure in sobering fashion.
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Manchester City booked a tantalising Carabao Cup final against Premier League leaders Arsenal by hammering holders Newcastle 5-1 on aggregate in a one-sided semi-final. Omar Marmoush scored twice early on before Tijjani Reijnders put the outcome beyond the doubt before the first half was through. Newcastle made a better fist of it after the interval, Anthony Elanga pulling one goal back, but the tie was a lost cause by then.
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Nottingham Forest moved closer to realising their Champions League dream as Anthony Elanga’s solo strike defeated his former club Manchester United. The winger, who joined United as a 12-year-old, sprinted 70 yards before finishing into the bottom corner to catch the visitors cold with an early winner. He joined Forest from United for £15m in 2023, in search of regular football, and continued his excellent season against his former club.
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