Sports News Today: Spain Reach World Cup Final, India Beat England, Haaland Goes Viral

Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup final with a statement victory over France, while India bounced back from their T20I struggles by defeating England in the opening ODI. Elsewhere, uncertainty surrounds India’s Bangladesh tour, Chennai Super Kings continue their transition after Stephen Fleming’s exit, and Argentina prepare for another blockbuster World Cup showdown with England.

1. Spain dismantle France to storm into FIFA World Cup final

Spain produced one of the performances of the tournament to defeat France 2-0 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup final.

Despite France entering the match as favourites thanks to their star-studded attack led by Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated every phase of the contest. Mikel Oyarzabal converted an early penalty before Pedro Porro added a stunning second as Spain controlled possession and restricted France to just three shots on target.

The victory extends Spain’s unbeaten run to 37 matches, equalling Italy’s international record, while La Roja also became the first team in World Cup history to keep six clean sheets in a single edition. They will now face either England or Argentina in Sunday’s final.

2. India defeat England by six wickets to take ODI series lead

India made an emphatic start to the ODI series with a six-wicket victory over England at Edgbaston, putting behind a disappointing T20I campaign.

After Axar Patel claimed four wickets to help restrict England to 258 despite Joe Root’s unbeaten 76, captain Shubman Gill anchored the chase with a classy 80 before retiring hurt with cramps. England briefly threatened after Gill’s departure, but Washington Sundar (52*) and Axar Patel (57*) combined in an unbroken 102-run partnership to seal victory with nearly five overs remaining.

The win gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and marks a positive return for several senior players ahead of next year’s ODI World Cup.

3. France’s costly defensive error gifts Spain breakthrough in World Cup semi-final

France’s hopes of reaching a second consecutive World Cup final were dented by a costly defensive lapse that handed Spain the opening goal in their 2-0 semi-final defeat.

The decisive moment came in the 22nd minute when left-back Lucas Digne mistimed his attempted clearance and caught Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area. Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted from the spot to give Spain the lead, before Pedro Porro added a spectacular second-half goal to seal victory.

4. Fresh doubts emerge over India’s Bangladesh tour

India’s scheduled white-ball tour of Bangladesh has once again been thrown into uncertainty amid reports that the Bangladesh Cricket Board has paused preparations for the series.

Although media rights had initially been put up for tender, the BCB has yet to release bidding documents, fuelling speculation that the August series may face postponement. Reports suggest scheduling issues, unresolved logistics and broader diplomatic considerations may all be contributing to the delay.

While no official cancellation has been announced, uncertainty continues to surround the six-match tour.

5. Ryan ten Doeschate seeks to leave India’s coaching staff

India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has reportedly asked to leave the national team’s coaching setup after completing his initial contract with the BCCI.

The former Netherlands international is understood to be stepping away for personal reasons, wanting to spend more time with his family in London after two years of extensive travel. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, who recommended his appointment, is yet to approve the request, leaving his immediate future unresolved.

If accepted, the third ODI against England could mark his final assignment with the Indian team.

6. Erling Haaland treats Norway squad to $10,000 Texas shopping spree

Erling Haaland celebrated Norway’s historic World Cup campaign by paying for a $10,000 shopping trip for teammates and staff during their stay in Dallas.

The Manchester City striker bought cowboy hats, custom boots and several unusual souvenirs, including a $750 taxidermy raccoon and stuffed squirrels, after Norway reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 1998.

Following their elimination by England, Haaland and his teammates have now returned home ahead of the new club season.

7. India’s next badminton generation prepares for home World Championships

Four Indian shuttlers will make their BWF World Championships debuts when the tournament returns to India after 17 years.

Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda, Simran Singhi and Kavipriya Selvam have all earned qualification through impressive performances on the international circuit and will join established stars PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in New Delhi.

The event offers India’s rising generation an opportunity to announce themselves on badminton’s biggest stage in front of home supporters.