Cape Verde created fresh waves at the World Cup as they held two-time champions Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in a high-octane encounter in Miami. Kevin Pina hammered them ahead with a stunning free-kick before Uruguay hit back to lead at half-time. Substitute Helio Varela’s second-half goal after a defensive clanger was no less than Cape Verde deserved however.
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Ireland face a trip away to the Czech Republic in their World Cup play-off semi-finals following the draw today in Zurich. Should Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side overcome that challenge they will enjoy home advantage against either Denmark or North Macedonia. The Danes defeated Ireland 5-1 in 2017 to book a place at the 2018 World Cup. Elsewhere Northern Ireland will face Italy in their semi-final clash with the winner set to face Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina.
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Troy Parrott completed a hat-trick with virtually the last kick of the game as the Republic of Ireland came from behind to beat Hungary and reach the World Cup play-offs. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side needed a win in Budapest to secure a spot in the play-offs. Daniel Lukacs’ fourth-minute header gave Hungary the ideal start, and while Troy Parrott’s penalty brought the Irish level, Barnabas Varga’s stunning strike restored the home side’s lead before the break. In a nail-biting second half, Parrott’s deft finish 10 minutes from time setup a grand stand finale and the Dubliner popped up at the death to poke home a memorable winner.
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Imperious Barcelona thumped visitors Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday after Robert Lewandowski netted twice against his old club to earn the Catalans a sizeable lead. The treble-chasing Barca predictably dominated the opening stages and grabbed the lead following Raphinha’s strike in the 25th minute. Lamine Yamal added a late fourth to leave the Catalans in a commanding position.
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Liverpool claimed an assured victory at AC Milan on their Champions League return to firmly bounce back from Saturday’s shock defeat by Nottingham Forest. The Reds were stunned on the break inside three minutes when AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic found the net with a driven strike across goal. But Arne Slot’s side responded with a dominant performance to lead by the break.
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