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Mikel Merino stars again as Spain edges Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarterfinals

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute off a rebound yielded by backup Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens, and Spain advanced to the World Cup semifinals with a 2-1 victory. Merino was the late hero for the second straight match for Spain, which advanced to face tournament favorite France in the semifinals on Tuesday in the Dallas area. Merino came on in the 86th minute and scored on his second touch of the match, charging into the box and pouncing after Lammens spilled a long shot from Pau Cubarsí. Merino also scored as a substitute early in injury time to secure Spain’s 1-0 victory over Portugal.

World Cup quarterfinal resale prices drop, FIFA selling nearly 1,200 more seats for final at $7,380

NEW YORK (AP) — World Cup ticket resale prices dropped for quarterfinal matches following the elimination of co-hosts United States and Mexico, and FIFA has nearly 1,200 seats on sale for the final at $7,380. The site TickPick listed the lowest price for the Spain-Belgium game on Friday at $1,381, down from $3,261 before the U.S. lost to Belgium in the round of 16. The lowest price for the England-Norway match on Saturday was $2,049, down from $3,866 before England defeated Mexico to reach the quarterfinals. It listed the lowest price for the Argentina-Switzerland game at $1,142, down from $2,381 before the round of 16.

Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs agree on 5-year extension that could top $250M, AP source says

Victor Wembanyama has signed what will be the richest contract in San Antonio Spurs history, a five-year extension that could exceed $250 million if the player option in the final season is picked up, a person with knowledge of the negotiations said Friday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the exact financial figures were not disclosed by either side.

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani to have left knee drained Sunday and will miss All-Star Game

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani will have his left knee drained on Sunday to relieve continued irritation, and the procedure will force him to miss next week’s All-Star Game. The Dodgers scratched Ohtani from his scheduled start on the mound against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night, but he is expected to start at designated hitter throughout the weekend. Ohtani has been dealing with the ailment for at least a month., with the right-hander having an outing cut short against the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 11 because of inflammation in the knee.

Former Heat teammates Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro have brief altercation in Las Vegas, AP source says

Former Miami Heat teammates Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro had a brief altercation at an NBA Summer League practice facility in Las Vegas on Friday. Adebayo reportedly struck Herro during the encounter. Herro was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this month, and the Heat acknowledged the incident but declined further comment. Herro made no comment about the altercation. In other news, the National Basketball Players Association’s executive director, David Kelly, criticized the second apron in the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement. Meanwhile, Trae Young discussed his new $212 million deal with the Washington Wizards, emphasizing team bonding and dismissing outside criticism.

Wimbledon defeat makes Djokovic realize he’s ‘blessed and cursed’ by the success of his career

LONDON (AP) — Defending champion Jannik Sinner beat seven-time winner Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the Wimbledon final and gain some revenge after Djokovic won their last meeting at this year’s Australian Open. The convincing performance from Sinner erased some doubts after his meltdown at the French Open. The top-ranked Sinner will face second-seeded Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s championship match. Zverev ended the “Ferytale” run of British wild card Arthur Fery with an overpowering 7-6 (0), 6-2, 6-4 victory earlier on Centre Court. Zverev will be playing for another major trophy a month after winning his first Grand Slam title at the French Open.

Scottie Scheffler misses the cut for the first time in 4 years

NORTH BERWICK, Scotland (AP) — Scottie Scheffler has his first weekend off in nearly four years. The world’s No. 1 player looked ordinary over two days at the Scottish Open. He shot a 72 on Friday and missed the cut by two shots at The Renaissance Club. It’s his first missed cut since the FedEx St. Jude Championship in August 2022. Scheffler says he just couldn’t hit close enough for good birdie opportunities. He missed a 6-foot par putt on the last hole and missed a 7-foot birdie putt on his 16th hole. He heads to Royal Birkdale early to prepare for the British Open.

Rory McIlroy part of 3-way tie for the lead at Scottish Open as Scheffler misses the cut

NORTH BERWICK, Scotland (AP) — Rory McIlroy is in prime position to add another Scottish Open title. Scottie Scheffler won’t have any say in that outcome after missing the cut for the first time in nearly four years. Scheffler shot a 72 to miss by two shots and was headed out early to prepare for the British Open. McIlroy shot a 66 and shared the 36-hole lead with Tom Kim and Jordan Smith. McIlroy won the Scottish Open three years ago. Scheffler had company in leaving early. Patrick Cantlay and Bernd Wiesberger went from a share of the 18-hole lead to missing the cut.

It’s England against Norway in the World Cup quarterfinals, with all eyes on Erling Haaland

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — England’s master plan for the World Cup quarterfinals revolves around stopping Norway forward Erling Haaland. Haaland has scored seven goals in this year’s tournament, just behind Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi. England midfielder Morgan Rogers acknowledges the challenge, noting Haaland’s size, strength and skill make him a formidable opponent. England’s Nico O’Reilly, Haaland’s Manchester City teammate, suggests preventing the ball from reaching Haaland. The match also features a showdown between Haaland and England’s Harry Kane. Both teams reached the quarterfinals with dramatic wins, and England faces health concerns with key players.

Lionel Messi and Argentina play upstart Switzerland in World Cup quarterfinals at Arrowhead Stadium

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Defending World Cup champion Argentina will faces Switzerland in the final quarterfinal match of the tournament on Saturday night. Argentina is led by stars like Lionel Messi and is considered one of the favorites, while the Swiss are playing in the quarterfinal round for the first time since 1954. Switzerland’s defense has been strong, allowing only three goals in five matches, while La Albiceleste had to squeak past Cape Verde and then rally from a two-goal deficit in a 3-2 win over Egypt. Messi enters the game tied with France forward Kylian Mbappe with eight goals apiece in the race for the Golden Boot.

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