Iran face an anxious wait to see if they will progress to the World Cup knockout stages after they came from behind to hold Egypt to a 1-1 draw and finish third in Group G. Egypt, whose qualification for the last-32 was already guaranteed, took the lead inside five minutes through Mahmoud Saber, before Ramin Rezaeian equalised from a tight angle in the 14th minute of a frantic start.
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Lionel Messi equalled Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals with a hat-trick as Argentina began their title defence with a 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City. Messi’s second took him level with Brazil great Ronaldo on 15 goals across his six World Cup appearances. He was denied in a one-on-one by Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane and had a penalty appeal turned down before joining Germany’s Klose in a share of the record.
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Inter Milan produced a dramatic late turnaround to beat FC Barcelona 7-6 on aggregate in a thrilling, all-time classic of a Champions League semi-final. Inter had raced into a two goal lead in the first half but Barcelona found themselves minutes away from their first final appearances in 10 years thanks to a second half fightback. The Catalans slipped up allowing Francesco Acerbi to snatch a late equaliser before Davide Frattesi popped up in extra time to decide the tie.
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Real Madrid controversially beat city rivals Atletico 4-2 on penalties to reach the Champions League quarterfinals following an enthralling round-of-16 tie which ended 2-2 on aggregate after extra time. Julian Alvarez had a penalty dramatically ruled out in the shootout paving the way for Antonio Rudiger to convert the winning spot kick.
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Paris Saint-Germain clawed back from two goals down to stun Manchester City 4-2 in the Champions League on Wednesday and leave the English club outside the playoff places and in danger of elimination. Goals from Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, João Neves and Gonçalo Ramos turned the match on its head after City had taken control with an early second half double from Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland.
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