Following is a abstract of present sports activities information briefs.

Analysis-Soccer-Argentina followers start to imagine as Messi wills them into World Cup semis

Lionel Messi needed to dig deep after his Argentina facet blew a two-goal lead earlier than beating the Netherlands on penalties to maintain his World Cup dream alive, making one purpose and scoring one other earlier than setting the tone for the emotional shoot-out triumph. Long after the vanquished Dutch had left the sphere, the Argentinian gamers danced in entrance of their dancing, flag-waving followers, all ignited by the idea that perhaps Messi’s time has come in the end.

U.S. sportswriter Grant Wahl dies in Qatar throughout World Cup – household, U.S. Soccer

Grant Wahl, a U.S. sportswriter masking the soccer World Cup, died in Qatar on Friday, his household and U.S. Soccer stated. U.S. Soccer stated it was “heartbroken to learn” of Wahl’s loss of life. His spouse responded to the U.S. Soccer assertion on Twitter, saying she was “in complete shock”.

Soccer-Maradona is watching us from above and pushing us, says Messi

Lionel Messi stated Argentina have felt the presence of the late, nice Diego Maradona all through their World Cup marketing campaign, together with on Friday after they beat the Netherlands on penalties to succeed in the semi-finals. Messi regarded to have impressed Argentina into a final 4 assembly with Brazil’s conquerors Croatia after he arrange Nahuel Molina’s opener earlier than the break and added the second from the penalty spot.

Analysis-Soccer-European curse stings Brazil once more at World Cup

Brazil are going dwelling empty handed after they suffered yet one more heartbreaking World Cup exit to a European rival — and the quarter-final defeat by Croatia will harm as they let victory slip by means of their fingers simply three minutes from the ultimate whistle. When Neymar put the South Americans forward with a spectacular effort within the first half of additional time, Brazilian followers all around the world had been left rejoicing.

Agony and anger for Brazil as World Cup favorites crash out

Brazilian soccer followers had been overcome by shock, anger and disbelief on Friday after the World Cup favorites crashed out of the event on the quarter-final stage to 2018 runners-up Croatia. Brazil’s sturdy momentum going into the World Cup had helped unify a nation left bitterly divided by an October election through which leftist President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva unseated far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro.

Soccer-Messi’s Argentina undergo on penalties after Dutch comeback

Argentina beat the Netherlands 4-3 in a penalty shootout to maintain Lionel Messi’s World Cup dream alive on Friday after the Dutch had snatched a 2-2 draw from the jaws of defeat in a rare quarter-final. Emiliano Martinez saved the primary two Dutch penalties to present Argentina an enormous benefit and Lautaro Martinez despatched Andries Noppert the improper option to arrange a date for the South Americans with Croatia within the semi-finals on Tuesday.

Soccer-Neymar says he’s not sure if he’ll play once more with Brazil

Brazil’s Neymar stated on Friday he was not sure if he would play once more for the nationwide crew after their heartbreaking World Cup quarter-final defeat to Croatia on penalties. “Honestly, I do not know. I think talking now is bad because of the heat of the moment. Maybe I’m not thinking straight,” an emotional Neymar instructed reporters.

Soccer-England have extra perception they’ll win World Cup than in 2018, says Kane

England had been nonetheless not sure of their full potential after they reached the World Cup semi-finals in Russia 4 years in the past however have now constructed perception over time that they’ll lastly win the event, skipper Harry Kane stated on Friday. A younger and inexperienced England facet defied the chances in Russia, the place they had been eradicated after further time by Croatia however Gareth Southgate’s squad has since proved to be title contenders as they search their first trophy since 1966.

Soccer-Croatia beat Brazil on penalties to succeed in semi-finals

Dominik Livakovic saved Rodrygo’s first penalty and Marquinhos hit the publish to present Croatia a 4-2 shootout win over Brazil on Friday after their World Cup quarter-final completed degree at 1-1. After a scoreless 90 minutes, Brazil took a 1-0 lead with a bit of additional time solo magic from Neymar however gritty Croatia refused to give up, Bruno Petkovic equalizing within the 117th minute to ship the competition to penalties.

Plane carrying basketball star Griner lands in U.S

A airplane carrying basketball star Brittney Griner landed within the United States early on Friday, practically 10 months after she was detained in Russia. Griner was launched in a prisoner swap with Russia in trade for arms supplier Viktor Bout and was heading dwelling on Thursday, ending what President Joe Biden referred to as months of “hell” for her and her spouse.

(With inputs from companies.)