Bellingham brilliance sees England edge Norway to reach semi-finals

Jude Bellingham sent England into the World Cup semi-finals with two goals as the Three Lions overturned a 1-0 deficit to seal a 2-1 extra-time win and end Norway hopes of a first-ever last four appearance in the tournament. Andreas Schjelderup’s 36th minute opener was cancelled out by a Bellingham strike late in the first half and the Real Madrid star struck again early in extra time to decide the game.

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Arias sends Colombia past Ghana into last 16

Colombia booked the last place in the World Cup’s last 16 as they beat Ghana 1-0 in Kansas City. Jhon Arias grabbed the only goal after 14 minutes as they earned a meeting with Switzerland in Vancouver. Both sides were forced into early changes by injury, Luis Suarez coming on for Jhon Cordoba and making an instant impact – his cross being swept in by the unmarked Arias at the far post.

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Australia secure second while Paraguay live in hope

Australia booked their place in the World Cup’s round of 32 on Thursday with a cagey 0-0 draw against Paraguay that left the South Americans facing a nervous wait to see if they will advance. In a physical, scrappy contest at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Paraguay pushed late after being dominated early but it ended with the Socceroos making the tournament’s knockout phase for a third time, four years after reaching the last 16 in Qatar.

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England turn on style to see off Croatia

Harry Kane’s brace helped England to a pulsating 4-2 victory against Croatia as Thomas Tuchel’s side made a breathless start to their quest for World Cup glory. The back-to-back European Championship finalists are among the favourites for glory in North America and played out a helter-skelter Group L opener at the Dallas Cowboys’ remarkable AT&T Stadium.

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Atletico Madrid hold off Barca fightback to reach semis

Atletico Madrid reached the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in nine years despite a 2-1 home defeat by Barcelona in a thrilling encounter on Tuesday, advancing 3-2 on aggregate after their 2-0 first-leg win at the Camp Nou. Barca struck twice in the first half to level the tie through Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres but Ademola Lookman’s strike gave Atlético the edge in the all Spanish affair.

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