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FIFA World Cup 2026 playoffs: Tonali stars as Italy knocks out Northern Ireland

FIFA World Cup 2026 playoffs: Tonali stars as Italy knocks out Northern Ireland

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Italy moved within one win of ending its 12-year World Cup absence with ​a 2-0 qualification playoff semifinal victory over Northern Ireland on ‌Thursday thanks to second-half goals from Sandro Tonali ​and Moise Kean.

The breakthrough arrived in the ⁠56th minute when Tonali pounced on a cleared cross, letting the ball bounce once before firing into the bottom corner from ‌the edge of the area.

Kean effectively ended the contest in the 80th minute, latching onto a ‌Tonali pass and ghosting past his marker before ‌dispatching ⁠a low strike into the net.

The four-time world ⁠champion will on Tuesday face the winner of the clash between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina for a place at the tournament ​in the U.S., Canada and ‌Mexico in June-July.

Pressure was high on Gennaro Gattuso’s side following Italy’s omission from the last two World Cups.

After failing to score in a 1-0 aggregate playoff ‌defeat to Sweden in 2017 and suffering a ​shock semifinal loss to North Macedonia in 2022, the host started at a frantic pace.

Federico Dimarco ⁠forced an early save from Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles with a low volley, before Kean saw his follow-up ‌from the parried rebound drift wide from close range.

The host, spurred on by a vocal crowd, dominated the opening half but failed to break the deadlock, with Kean dragging a shot wide and Mateo Retegui firing straight at Charles from close range to leave the ‌match goalless at the interval.

Following Tonali’s opener, Italy maintained the pressure ​and Kean nearly doubled the lead with an acrobatic overhead kick from Nicolo Barella’s cross.

While that ⁠effort flew narrowly wide, the striker made no mistake moments ⁠later to finally grab his goal.

Northern Ireland mounted a frantic late charge in the closing stages, ‌but the final whistle confirmed its quest to reach a first World Cup since 1986 had reached a ​disappointing end.

Published on Mar 27, 2026

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Deadspin | Astros look for spark in doubleheader vs. Orioles Apr 28, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Houston Astros infielder Carlos Correa (1) reacts after striking out in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images After quite a bit of idle time this week, the Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles are in store for a busy day of baseball when they meet for Thursday’s doubleheader at Camden Yards. Wednesday night’s game was postponed because of weather concerns. So that means that each team has played just one game since Sunday afternoon. That game was won by Baltimore with Tuesday night’s 5-3 decision. The Astros, who are 3-8 in their last 11 games, would like to see outfielder Brice Matthews build off that game when he produced three hits, including a home run. “I feel like I could do that each and every night, but baseball, it’s not going to go your way each and every night,” Matthews said. With an array of injuries impacting the Astros, manager Joe Espada said Matthews could become a spark. “I keep saying, when he finds barrel to ball, he’s exciting to watch,” Espada said. “He’s a very explosive player. He can change outcomes of the game when he learns to be more consistent making contact.” The Astros also hope that third baseman Isaac Paredes can get rolling. Even though he went 0-for-4 on Tuesday, he had hits in six of seven games prior to that. “Sometimes it takes a little bit of time,” Espada said. “He’s starting to heat up, and he knows he can do damage and he’s doing some damage.” Baltimore has had catcher Adley Rutschman with a hot bat. He has racked up multiple hits in three of five games with 10 runs batted in since returning from the injury list. “With Adley, it’s just taking his hits,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “Staying on the off-speed, driving it the other way. It just shows his adjustability in the box.” The Orioles will send out right-handers Chris Bassitt (1-2, 6.75 ERA) and Brandon Young (2-0, 2.53) for the starting assignments. For Young, it will mark his third big-league appearance of the season. He pitched twice last year against Houston with mixed results. He took a perfect game into the eighth and threw eight shutout innings in mid-August. Less than a week later, he was tagged for seven runs in 5 1/3 innings. The Astros are bound to challenge Baltimore’s pitchers, who had the right mix in the series opener. “They’re a deep-lineup team and battle tested,” Albernaz said. “It was great to see our (pitchers) step up to the challenge.” Houston has right-handers Peter Lambert (1-1, 3.27) and Lance McCullers Jr. (1-2, 6.75) slated to be on the mound. The Astros have gone 0-4 in McCullers’ first four April starts, though he only had decisions in the last two outings when he lasted five innings in both cases. He has bemoaned poor beginnings to recent games as getting him off track. Espada said some adjustments could bolster McCullers. “I think for Lance, it’s being ahead,” Espada said. “Once he’s ahead, he can expand and he can set the tone. But if you’re behind in the count, it can be really hard to execute and get people out.” McCullers has faced the Orioles eight times, with six starts, in his career. He’s 3-0 with a 3.34 ERA covering 35 innings in those matchups. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Astros #spark #doubleheader #OriolesApr 28, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Houston Astros infielder Carlos Correa (1) reacts after striking out in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

After quite a bit of idle time this week, the Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles are in store for a busy day of baseball when they meet for Thursday’s doubleheader at Camden Yards.

Wednesday night’s game was postponed because of weather concerns. So that means that each team has played just one game since Sunday afternoon.

That game was won by Baltimore with Tuesday night’s 5-3 decision.

The Astros, who are 3-8 in their last 11 games, would like to see outfielder Brice Matthews build off that game when he produced three hits, including a home run.

“I feel like I could do that each and every night, but baseball, it’s not going to go your way each and every night,” Matthews said.

With an array of injuries impacting the Astros, manager Joe Espada said Matthews could become a spark.

“I keep saying, when he finds barrel to ball, he’s exciting to watch,” Espada said. “He’s a very explosive player. He can change outcomes of the game when he learns to be more consistent making contact.”

The Astros also hope that third baseman Isaac Paredes can get rolling. Even though he went 0-for-4 on Tuesday, he had hits in six of seven games prior to that.

“Sometimes it takes a little bit of time,” Espada said. “He’s starting to heat up, and he knows he can do damage and he’s doing some damage.”

Baltimore has had catcher Adley Rutschman with a hot bat. He has racked up multiple hits in three of five games with 10 runs batted in since returning from the injury list.


“With Adley, it’s just taking his hits,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “Staying on the off-speed, driving it the other way. It just shows his adjustability in the box.”

The Orioles will send out right-handers Chris Bassitt (1-2, 6.75 ERA) and Brandon Young (2-0, 2.53) for the starting assignments.

For Young, it will mark his third big-league appearance of the season. He pitched twice last year against Houston with mixed results. He took a perfect game into the eighth and threw eight shutout innings in mid-August. Less than a week later, he was tagged for seven runs in 5 1/3 innings.

The Astros are bound to challenge Baltimore’s pitchers, who had the right mix in the series opener.

“They’re a deep-lineup team and battle tested,” Albernaz said. “It was great to see our (pitchers) step up to the challenge.”

Houston has right-handers Peter Lambert (1-1, 3.27) and Lance McCullers Jr. (1-2, 6.75) slated to be on the mound.

The Astros have gone 0-4 in McCullers’ first four April starts, though he only had decisions in the last two outings when he lasted five innings in both cases. He has bemoaned poor beginnings to recent games as getting him off track.

Espada said some adjustments could bolster McCullers.

“I think for Lance, it’s being ahead,” Espada said. “Once he’s ahead, he can expand and he can set the tone. But if you’re behind in the count, it can be really hard to execute and get people out.”

McCullers has faced the Orioles eight times, with six starts, in his career. He’s 3-0 with a 3.34 ERA covering 35 innings in those matchups.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Astros #spark #doubleheader #Orioles">Deadspin | Astros look for spark in doubleheader vs. Orioles Apr 28, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Houston Astros infielder Carlos Correa (1) reacts after striking out in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images After quite a bit of idle time this week, the Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles are in store for a busy day of baseball when they meet for Thursday’s doubleheader at Camden Yards. Wednesday night’s game was postponed because of weather concerns. So that means that each team has played just one game since Sunday afternoon. That game was won by Baltimore with Tuesday night’s 5-3 decision. The Astros, who are 3-8 in their last 11 games, would like to see outfielder Brice Matthews build off that game when he produced three hits, including a home run. “I feel like I could do that each and every night, but baseball, it’s not going to go your way each and every night,” Matthews said. With an array of injuries impacting the Astros, manager Joe Espada said Matthews could become a spark. “I keep saying, when he finds barrel to ball, he’s exciting to watch,” Espada said. “He’s a very explosive player. He can change outcomes of the game when he learns to be more consistent making contact.” The Astros also hope that third baseman Isaac Paredes can get rolling. Even though he went 0-for-4 on Tuesday, he had hits in six of seven games prior to that. “Sometimes it takes a little bit of time,” Espada said. “He’s starting to heat up, and he knows he can do damage and he’s doing some damage.” Baltimore has had catcher Adley Rutschman with a hot bat. He has racked up multiple hits in three of five games with 10 runs batted in since returning from the injury list. “With Adley, it’s just taking his hits,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “Staying on the off-speed, driving it the other way. It just shows his adjustability in the box.” The Orioles will send out right-handers Chris Bassitt (1-2, 6.75 ERA) and Brandon Young (2-0, 2.53) for the starting assignments. For Young, it will mark his third big-league appearance of the season. He pitched twice last year against Houston with mixed results. He took a perfect game into the eighth and threw eight shutout innings in mid-August. Less than a week later, he was tagged for seven runs in 5 1/3 innings. The Astros are bound to challenge Baltimore’s pitchers, who had the right mix in the series opener. “They’re a deep-lineup team and battle tested,” Albernaz said. “It was great to see our (pitchers) step up to the challenge.” Houston has right-handers Peter Lambert (1-1, 3.27) and Lance McCullers Jr. (1-2, 6.75) slated to be on the mound. The Astros have gone 0-4 in McCullers’ first four April starts, though he only had decisions in the last two outings when he lasted five innings in both cases. He has bemoaned poor beginnings to recent games as getting him off track. Espada said some adjustments could bolster McCullers. “I think for Lance, it’s being ahead,” Espada said. “Once he’s ahead, he can expand and he can set the tone. But if you’re behind in the count, it can be really hard to execute and get people out.” McCullers has faced the Orioles eight times, with six starts, in his career. He’s 3-0 with a 3.34 ERA covering 35 innings in those matchups. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Astros #spark #doubleheader #Orioles

Deadspin | Pete Crow-Armstrong’s big day boosts Cubs over Padres Apr 29, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Michael Conforto (20) scores ahead of the tag of San Diego Padres catcher Luis Campusano (12) during the sixth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images Pete Crow-Armstrong homered and drove in three runs for the second time in as many games, fueling the visiting Chicago Cubs to a 5-4 victory over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday. Matt Shaw belted a solo homer among his three hits for the Cubs, who won the final two contests of the three-game series to improve to 12-3 in their last 15 games. Crow-Armstrong launched a two-run shot in the fourth inning. The homer was the third of the season for Crow-Armstrong, who belted a three-run blast in Chicago’s 8-3 victory over San Diego on Tuesday. Crow-Armstrong drove in the go-ahead run in the sixth on a groundout to first base. Michael Conforto ran on contact and used a swim move at home plate to dodge the tag of catcher Luis Campusano. Jameson Taillon (2-1) retired the first 14 batters he faced before Miguel Andujar homered in the fifth. Nick Castellanos belted a two-run blast in the inning, however Taillon settled down and finished the seventh. He allowed three runs on three hits and struck out six with one walk. Corbin Martin walked the bases loaded in the eighth before being relieved by Ben Brown, who surrendered a sacrifice fly to Fernando Tatis Jr. that trimmed Chicago’s lead to 5-4. Brown induced Manny Machado to ground into an inning-ending double play. Brown retired the first two batters in the ninth before Hoby Milner struck out Ramon Laureano on three pitches to secure his first save of the season. Adrian Morejon (2-1) yielded one run on one hit in two-thirds of an inning. Miguel Amaya’s RBI single to center field opened the scoring in the second before Chicago extended its lead to 3-0 in the fourth. Shaw reached on a two-out bunt single before Crow-Armstrong deposited a 0-1 sweeper from Waldron over the wall in right field. Andujar sent a 1-2 sweeper from Taillon over the wall in left field. Jake Cronenworth followed with a walk before Castellanos deposited a 1-0 cutter over the wall in left-center field to forge a 3-3 tie. The homers were the first of the season for both Andujar and Castellanos. Padre bench coach Randy Knorr filled in for manager Craig Stammen, who attended an out-of-town funeral. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pete #CrowArmstrongs #big #day #boosts #Cubs #PadresApr 29, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Michael Conforto (20) scores ahead of the tag of San Diego Padres catcher Luis Campusano (12) during the sixth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Pete Crow-Armstrong homered and drove in three runs for the second time in as many games, fueling the visiting Chicago Cubs to a 5-4 victory over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday.

Matt Shaw belted a solo homer among his three hits for the Cubs, who won the final two contests of the three-game series to improve to 12-3 in their last 15 games.

Crow-Armstrong launched a two-run shot in the fourth inning. The homer was the third of the season for Crow-Armstrong, who belted a three-run blast in Chicago’s 8-3 victory over San Diego on Tuesday.

Crow-Armstrong drove in the go-ahead run in the sixth on a groundout to first base. Michael Conforto ran on contact and used a swim move at home plate to dodge the tag of catcher Luis Campusano.

Jameson Taillon (2-1) retired the first 14 batters he faced before Miguel Andujar homered in the fifth. Nick Castellanos belted a two-run blast in the inning, however Taillon settled down and finished the seventh. He allowed three runs on three hits and struck out six with one walk.


Corbin Martin walked the bases loaded in the eighth before being relieved by Ben Brown, who surrendered a sacrifice fly to Fernando Tatis Jr. that trimmed Chicago’s lead to 5-4. Brown induced Manny Machado to ground into an inning-ending double play.

Brown retired the first two batters in the ninth before Hoby Milner struck out Ramon Laureano on three pitches to secure his first save of the season.

Adrian Morejon (2-1) yielded one run on one hit in two-thirds of an inning.

Miguel Amaya’s RBI single to center field opened the scoring in the second before Chicago extended its lead to 3-0 in the fourth. Shaw reached on a two-out bunt single before Crow-Armstrong deposited a 0-1 sweeper from Waldron over the wall in right field.

Andujar sent a 1-2 sweeper from Taillon over the wall in left field. Jake Cronenworth followed with a walk before Castellanos deposited a 1-0 cutter over the wall in left-center field to forge a 3-3 tie. The homers were the first of the season for both Andujar and Castellanos.

Padre bench coach Randy Knorr filled in for manager Craig Stammen, who attended an out-of-town funeral.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pete #CrowArmstrongs #big #day #boosts #Cubs #Padres">Deadspin | Pete Crow-Armstrong’s big day boosts Cubs over Padres Apr 29, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Michael Conforto (20) scores ahead of the tag of San Diego Padres catcher Luis Campusano (12) during the sixth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images Pete Crow-Armstrong homered and drove in three runs for the second time in as many games, fueling the visiting Chicago Cubs to a 5-4 victory over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday. Matt Shaw belted a solo homer among his three hits for the Cubs, who won the final two contests of the three-game series to improve to 12-3 in their last 15 games. Crow-Armstrong launched a two-run shot in the fourth inning. The homer was the third of the season for Crow-Armstrong, who belted a three-run blast in Chicago’s 8-3 victory over San Diego on Tuesday. Crow-Armstrong drove in the go-ahead run in the sixth on a groundout to first base. Michael Conforto ran on contact and used a swim move at home plate to dodge the tag of catcher Luis Campusano. Jameson Taillon (2-1) retired the first 14 batters he faced before Miguel Andujar homered in the fifth. Nick Castellanos belted a two-run blast in the inning, however Taillon settled down and finished the seventh. He allowed three runs on three hits and struck out six with one walk. Corbin Martin walked the bases loaded in the eighth before being relieved by Ben Brown, who surrendered a sacrifice fly to Fernando Tatis Jr. that trimmed Chicago’s lead to 5-4. Brown induced Manny Machado to ground into an inning-ending double play. Brown retired the first two batters in the ninth before Hoby Milner struck out Ramon Laureano on three pitches to secure his first save of the season. Adrian Morejon (2-1) yielded one run on one hit in two-thirds of an inning. Miguel Amaya’s RBI single to center field opened the scoring in the second before Chicago extended its lead to 3-0 in the fourth. Shaw reached on a two-out bunt single before Crow-Armstrong deposited a 0-1 sweeper from Waldron over the wall in right field. Andujar sent a 1-2 sweeper from Taillon over the wall in left field. Jake Cronenworth followed with a walk before Castellanos deposited a 1-0 cutter over the wall in left-center field to forge a 3-3 tie. The homers were the first of the season for both Andujar and Castellanos. Padre bench coach Randy Knorr filled in for manager Craig Stammen, who attended an out-of-town funeral. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pete #CrowArmstrongs #big #day #boosts #Cubs #Padres

Deadspin | Anastasia Potapova upsets former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova in Madrid Mar 6, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Anastasia Potapova of Austria in action against Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the second round of the women’s singles at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images Unseeded Anastasia Potapova of Austria continued her impressive run at the Madrid Open on Tuesday, taking down former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova of Czechia 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, to become the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal. Potapova, who lost in qualifying last week, will face No. 26 Marta Kostyuk in the semifinals after the Ukrainian defeated No. 13 Linda Noskova of Czechia 7-6 (1), 6-0. Kostyuk, who beat Potapova in the fourth round at Madrid last year, is 10-0 on clay this year. Potapova led 5-3 in the second set and held three match points, but Pliskova rallied to even the match and led 3-1 in the third set before Potapova won five straight games to secure the thrilling victory. When asked if she thought she would be in the semifinals after her qualifying loss, Potapova told reporters, “No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything. That’s what makes our sport beautiful. I was given a second chance and now I’m here. “I’m super happy. There’s nothing better that could happen to me in my life at the moment.” Potapova finished with 10 aces and saved four of her eight break points, while Pliskova posted three aces but was 0-for-7 on break points. Along the way to the semifinals, Potapova has also defeated French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia and World No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan. As for Potapova’s semifinal opponent, Kostyuk seized control against Noskova in the first-set tiebreaker, winning 7-1, then dominated the second set in less-than-ideal weather conditions to reach the Madrid semifinals for the first time. “Conditions were incredibly difficult for both of us,” Kostyuk said in her on-court interview. “It was very windy, very cold, and I felt like we started to gain some (momentum) only towards the end of the first set. Until then, I think we both weren’t sure where the ball was going sometimes. But I’m happy that I did my strategy today very well.” Kostyuk, who took the second set without dropping a game, is the only player — women’s or men’s — to reach this year’s semifinal without conceding a set. Earlier this month, she captured her first WTA title on clay at the Rouen Open in France. “Today was not that type of day in the morning and I was forcing myself to smile, to enjoy,” said Kostyuk, who saved one of five break points while Noskova saved 17 of 24. “At the end of the day it was a quarterfinal match. No matter how it would turn around, I still think it was a great performance from me these past three weeks. At the end I managed to turn that page and enjoy again.” -Field Level Media –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Anastasia #Potapova #upsets #World #Karolina #Pliskova #MadridMar 6, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Anastasia Potapova of Austria in action against Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the second round of the women’s singles at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Unseeded Anastasia Potapova of Austria continued her impressive run at the Madrid Open on Tuesday, taking down former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova of Czechia 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, to become the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal.

Potapova, who lost in qualifying last week, will face No. 26 Marta Kostyuk in the semifinals after the Ukrainian defeated No. 13 Linda Noskova of Czechia 7-6 (1), 6-0. Kostyuk, who beat Potapova in the fourth round at Madrid last year, is 10-0 on clay this year.

Potapova led 5-3 in the second set and held three match points, but Pliskova rallied to even the match and led 3-1 in the third set before Potapova won five straight games to secure the thrilling victory.

When asked if she thought she would be in the semifinals after her qualifying loss, Potapova told reporters, “No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything. That’s what makes our sport beautiful. I was given a second chance and now I’m here.

“I’m super happy. There’s nothing better that could happen to me in my life at the moment.”

Potapova finished with 10 aces and saved four of her eight break points, while Pliskova posted three aces but was 0-for-7 on break points.


Along the way to the semifinals, Potapova has also defeated French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia and World No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan.

As for Potapova’s semifinal opponent, Kostyuk seized control against Noskova in the first-set tiebreaker, winning 7-1, then dominated the second set in less-than-ideal weather conditions to reach the Madrid semifinals for the first time.

“Conditions were incredibly difficult for both of us,” Kostyuk said in her on-court interview. “It was very windy, very cold, and I felt like we started to gain some (momentum) only towards the end of the first set. Until then, I think we both weren’t sure where the ball was going sometimes. But I’m happy that I did my strategy today very well.”

Kostyuk, who took the second set without dropping a game, is the only player — women’s or men’s — to reach this year’s semifinal without conceding a set. Earlier this month, she captured her first WTA title on clay at the Rouen Open in France.

“Today was not that type of day in the morning and I was forcing myself to smile, to enjoy,” said Kostyuk, who saved one of five break points while Noskova saved 17 of 24. “At the end of the day it was a quarterfinal match. No matter how it would turn around, I still think it was a great performance from me these past three weeks. At the end I managed to turn that page and enjoy again.”

-Field Level Media

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Anastasia #Potapova #upsets #World #Karolina #Pliskova #Madrid">Deadspin | Anastasia Potapova upsets former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova in Madrid Mar 6, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Anastasia Potapova of Austria in action against Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the second round of the women’s singles at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images Unseeded Anastasia Potapova of Austria continued her impressive run at the Madrid Open on Tuesday, taking down former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova of Czechia 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, to become the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal. Potapova, who lost in qualifying last week, will face No. 26 Marta Kostyuk in the semifinals after the Ukrainian defeated No. 13 Linda Noskova of Czechia 7-6 (1), 6-0. Kostyuk, who beat Potapova in the fourth round at Madrid last year, is 10-0 on clay this year. Potapova led 5-3 in the second set and held three match points, but Pliskova rallied to even the match and led 3-1 in the third set before Potapova won five straight games to secure the thrilling victory. When asked if she thought she would be in the semifinals after her qualifying loss, Potapova told reporters, “No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything. That’s what makes our sport beautiful. I was given a second chance and now I’m here. “I’m super happy. There’s nothing better that could happen to me in my life at the moment.” Potapova finished with 10 aces and saved four of her eight break points, while Pliskova posted three aces but was 0-for-7 on break points. Along the way to the semifinals, Potapova has also defeated French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia and World No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan. As for Potapova’s semifinal opponent, Kostyuk seized control against Noskova in the first-set tiebreaker, winning 7-1, then dominated the second set in less-than-ideal weather conditions to reach the Madrid semifinals for the first time. “Conditions were incredibly difficult for both of us,” Kostyuk said in her on-court interview. “It was very windy, very cold, and I felt like we started to gain some (momentum) only towards the end of the first set. Until then, I think we both weren’t sure where the ball was going sometimes. But I’m happy that I did my strategy today very well.” Kostyuk, who took the second set without dropping a game, is the only player — women’s or men’s — to reach this year’s semifinal without conceding a set. Earlier this month, she captured her first WTA title on clay at the Rouen Open in France. “Today was not that type of day in the morning and I was forcing myself to smile, to enjoy,” said Kostyuk, who saved one of five break points while Noskova saved 17 of 24. “At the end of the day it was a quarterfinal match. No matter how it would turn around, I still think it was a great performance from me these past three weeks. At the end I managed to turn that page and enjoy again.” -Field Level Media –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Anastasia #Potapova #upsets #World #Karolina #Pliskova #Madrid

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