×
Badminton Asia Championships 2026: Ayush Shetty loses to Shi Yuqi in final, settles for silver Ayush Shetty was denied a fairytale ending by China’s Shi Yuqi at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 as the Indian lost 8-21, 10-21 in 42 minutes to the home favourite in the final in Ningbo on Sunday, thus finishing with a silver medal.World No. 2 Yuqi dominated the majority of the match, stretching his head-to-head advantage over the 20-year-old Indian to 3-0. The Chinese shuttler also bagged his maiden gold at the continental event, having previously won three bronze medals.Barring the loss in the summit clash, it was a memorable week for World No. 25 Ayush who became the seventh Indian to win a men’s singles medal at the event after Dinesh Khanna (gold in 1965 and bronze in 1969), Suresh Goel (bronze in 1965), Prakash Padukone (bronze in 1976), Pullela Gopichand (bronze in 2000), Anup Sridhar (bronze in 2007) and H. S. Prannoy (bronze in 2018).Ayush, the 2023 BWF World Junior Championships bronze medallist, had reached the final by stunning defending champion and World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 in the semifinals.Earlier, Ayush, the reigning U.S. Open Champion, had taken down World No. 4 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in the quarterfinals, World No. 20 Chi Yu Jen of Chinese Taipei in the round of 16, and World No. 7 Li Shi Feng of China in the first round.Published on Apr 12, 2026 #Badminton #Asia #Championships #Ayush #Shetty #loses #Shi #Yuqi #final #settles #silver

Badminton Asia Championships 2026: Ayush Shetty loses to Shi Yuqi in final, settles for silver

Ayush Shetty was denied a fairytale ending by China’s Shi Yuqi at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 as the Indian lost 8-21, 10-21 in 42 minutes to the home favourite in the final in Ningbo on Sunday, thus finishing with a silver medal.

World No. 2 Yuqi dominated the majority of the match, stretching his head-to-head advantage over the 20-year-old Indian to 3-0. The Chinese shuttler also bagged his maiden gold at the continental event, having previously won three bronze medals.

Barring the loss in the summit clash, it was a memorable week for World No. 25 Ayush who became the seventh Indian to win a men’s singles medal at the event after Dinesh Khanna (gold in 1965 and bronze in 1969), Suresh Goel (bronze in 1965), Prakash Padukone (bronze in 1976), Pullela Gopichand (bronze in 2000), Anup Sridhar (bronze in 2007) and H. S. Prannoy (bronze in 2018).

Ayush, the 2023 BWF World Junior Championships bronze medallist, had reached the final by stunning defending champion and World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 in the semifinals.

Earlier, Ayush, the reigning U.S. Open Champion, had taken down World No. 4 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in the quarterfinals, World No. 20 Chi Yu Jen of Chinese Taipei in the round of 16, and World No. 7 Li Shi Feng of China in the first round.

Published on Apr 12, 2026

#Badminton #Asia #Championships #Ayush #Shetty #loses #Shi #Yuqi #final #settles #silver

Sports news , , , , , ,

Ayush Shetty was denied a fairytale ending by China’s Shi Yuqi at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 as the Indian lost 8-21, 10-21 in 42 minutes to the home favourite in the final in Ningbo on Sunday, thus finishing with a silver medal.

World No. 2 Yuqi dominated the majority of the match, stretching his head-to-head advantage over the 20-year-old Indian to 3-0. The Chinese shuttler also bagged his maiden gold at the continental event, having previously won three bronze medals.

Barring the loss in the summit clash, it was a memorable week for World No. 25 Ayush who became the seventh Indian to win a men’s singles medal at the event after Dinesh Khanna (gold in 1965 and bronze in 1969), Suresh Goel (bronze in 1965), Prakash Padukone (bronze in 1976), Pullela Gopichand (bronze in 2000), Anup Sridhar (bronze in 2007) and H. S. Prannoy (bronze in 2018).

Ayush, the 2023 BWF World Junior Championships bronze medallist, had reached the final by stunning defending champion and World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 in the semifinals.

Earlier, Ayush, the reigning U.S. Open Champion, had taken down World No. 4 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in the quarterfinals, World No. 20 Chi Yu Jen of Chinese Taipei in the round of 16, and World No. 7 Li Shi Feng of China in the first round.

Published on Apr 12, 2026

Source link
#Badminton #Asia #Championships #Ayush #Shetty #loses #Shi #Yuqi #final #settles #silver

Tag
Previous post

Deadspin | Timo Baumgartl scores in 61st minute as St. Louis City tie FC Dallas <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28711465.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28711465.jpg" alt="MLS: St. Louis CITY SC at FC Dallas" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 11, 2026; Frisco, Texas, USA; St. Louis CITY SC forward Simon Becher (11) dribbles the ball as FC Dallas defender Osaze Urhoghide (3) defends during the first half at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Timo Baumgartl’s 61st-minute goal negated Louicius Deedson’s opener as visiting St. Louis City SC earned a 1-1 draw against FC Dallas.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The equalizer was the first goal in four matches at Toyota Stadium for St. Louis (1-3-3, 6 points), which has gone 1-0-2 in its last three matches after getting shut out in three straight.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Dallas (3-1-3, 12 points) is now unbeaten (2-0-2) in its last four matches and has outscored St. Louis, 8-1, in those four home matches.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The teams played to a scoreless draw in the opening 45 minutes, despite chances from both sides. St. Louis’ Marcel Hartel had two chances himself early on.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>He took the ball down to the end line in the third minute and sent it across the goal mouth, but there was nobody home to tap it in. Then, in the 21st minute, Hartel took the ball down the left side into the box and tried to beat Michael Collodi to the near post, but Dallas’ goalkeeper turned it aside.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>In the 30th minute, Conrad Wallem just missed connecting with Sergio Cordova, which would have left the St. Louis attacker alone in the middle.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>Dallas’ Kaick, who came on for his injured Brazilian countryman Ramiro in the 36th minute, was high on a header three minutes later off a cross into the box from Deedson.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>Petar Musa, who came into the match tied for the MLS lead with seven goals, was quiet for most of the first half, but he came alive late.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>He was called offside on an attempt that hit the post in the third minute of extra time, and then, one minute later, he took a pass from Logan Farrington into the box and forced a save from St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Burki, who had two saves.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Musa played a role in Dallas’ goal three minutes into the second half. He intercepted a St. Louis pass and freed up Deedson on the left side, and the Haitian International finished for his first goal of the season.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>The assist was Musa’s first of the season, and the goal stood up for 20 minutes. St. Louis’ Daniel Edelman sent a ball to the far post, where two teammates ran onto it. Baumgartl got in first and finished Edelman’s cross with a right-footed shot from close range.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Burki and Collodi, who had four saves, denied late winners off attempts from both attacking sides to preserve the draw.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Timo #Baumgartl #scores #61st #minute #Louis #City #tie #Dallas

Next post

Deadspin | Preds stay within point of Kings with tight win over Wild <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28709541.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28709541.jpg" alt="NHL: Minnesota Wild at Nashville Predators" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 11, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; The Nashville Predators celebrate a goal by Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) during the first period of their game against the Minnesota Wild at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alan Poizner-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Steven Stamkos had a goal and an assist for the Nashville Predators in a 2-1 win against the visiting Minnesota Wild on Saturday afternoon.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Matthew Wood also scored and Justus Annunen made 21 saves for Nashville (38-32-10, 86 points), which stayed within a point of the Los Angeles Kings for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The Predators have two games left and the Kings have three.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Michael McCarron scored and Jesper Wallstedt made 20 saves for Minnesota (45-23-12, 102 points), which will open the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Dallas Stars.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The Predators took a 1-0 lead at 15:01 of the first.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Stamkos pulled the puck out of a corner in the Minnesota zone, then passed it from below the goal line to Luke Evangelista. He passed it back to Stamkos, who scored on a wraparound for his 40th goal of the season.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>It’s the eighth time Stamkos has reached the 40-goal mark in his 18 NHL seasons.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>Nashville stretched the lead to 2-0 at 6:34 of the second.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Wallstedt saved a shot from the right face-off circle by Nick Perbix and the rebound fell at the feet of Stamkos, who made a short backhand feed to Wood that set him up for a score from the inside edge of the right circle.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>McCarron scored on a rebound off Jonas Brodin’s shot to cut it to 2-1 at 6:54 of the third period.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>With the Wild nearly locked into their playoff spot, they rested forwards Joel Eriksson Ek and Mats Zuccarello and defenseman Jared Spurgeon.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Nashville captain Roman Josi returned to the Preds’ blue line after he was a late scratch in Thursday’s 4-1 loss to the Utah Mammoth because of an upper-body injury.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Annunen was coming off a 5-0 win against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday, the first shutout of the season for Nashville.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Preds #stay #point #Kings #tight #win #Wild

Related Posts

Deadspin | Nneka Ogwumike’s big night lifts Sparks over Sky Jul 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike (30) looks to pass against Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud (9) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images Nneka Ogwumike scored a season-high 25 points and collected 12 rebounds and five assists to lead the Los Angeles Sparks to a 102-87 victory over the visiting Chicago Sky on Friday night. All three of Ogwumike’s 3-pointers came in the fourth quarter as Los Angeles recorded its second straight victory. The Sparks made 11 of 15 shots in the final quarter, including 4 of 5 from behind the arc. Dearica Hamby added 17 points and seven rebounds, Ariel Atkins had 17 points and six assists and Rae Burrell made four 3-pointers while also scoring 17 for the Sparks (10-11). Erica Wheeler had 15 points and eight assists for Los Angeles, which outscored the Sky 29-17 in the fourth quarter. Kamilla Cardoso (eight rebounds), Sydney Taylor and reserve Gabriela Jaquez scored 15 points apiece for Chicago (7-15). Azura Stevens registered 10 points and eight rebounds and backup Jacy Sheldon added 10 points for the Sky. Skylar Diggins (right knee) missed her second straight game for the Sky, who connected on 43.7% of their attempts, including a lowly 6 of 25 from behind the arc. Los Angeles made 51.3% of its shots and hit 14 of 31 from 3-point range while continuing to play without Kelsey Plum (lower left leg). Ogwumike buried a 3-pointer to give Los Angeles an 80-72 lead with 7:46 left in the contest. Burrell hit a 3-pointer 45 seconds later and the Sparks led by nine. A short time later, Ogwumike canned another 3-pointer and Hamby converted a layup as Los Angeles led 90-80 with 4:32 remaining. Chicago crept within six before Burrell scored on a layup and Ogwumike sank another trey to make it 95-84 lead with 2:29 left as the Sparks closed it out. Chicago trailed by five at halftime before starting the third quarter with a 13-5 run. A three-point play by Cardoso and a trey by Taylor capped it to give the Sky a 61-58 lead. Los Angeles answered with an 11-3 burst. Emma Cannon sank a 3-pointer and Ogwumike made two free throws to end it as the Sparks took a 69-64 lead with 3:10 left. Cannon scored another basket with just under a minute left as the Sparks led 73-70 entering the fourth quarter. Wheeler scored 15 points in the first half as the Sparks held a 53-48 advantage. Sheldon scored 10 in the half for Chicago. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nneka #Ogwumikes #big #night #lifts #Sparks #SkyJul 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike (30) looks to pass against Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud (9) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Nneka Ogwumike scored a season-high 25 points and collected 12 rebounds and five assists to lead the Los Angeles Sparks to a 102-87 victory over the visiting Chicago Sky on Friday night.

All three of Ogwumike’s 3-pointers came in the fourth quarter as Los Angeles recorded its second straight victory. The Sparks made 11 of 15 shots in the final quarter, including 4 of 5 from behind the arc.

Dearica Hamby added 17 points and seven rebounds, Ariel Atkins had 17 points and six assists and Rae Burrell made four 3-pointers while also scoring 17 for the Sparks (10-11).

Erica Wheeler had 15 points and eight assists for Los Angeles, which outscored the Sky 29-17 in the fourth quarter.

Kamilla Cardoso (eight rebounds), Sydney Taylor and reserve Gabriela Jaquez scored 15 points apiece for Chicago (7-15).

Azura Stevens registered 10 points and eight rebounds and backup Jacy Sheldon added 10 points for the Sky.

Skylar Diggins (right knee) missed her second straight game for the Sky, who connected on 43.7% of their attempts, including a lowly 6 of 25 from behind the arc.


Los Angeles made 51.3% of its shots and hit 14 of 31 from 3-point range while continuing to play without Kelsey Plum (lower left leg).

Ogwumike buried a 3-pointer to give Los Angeles an 80-72 lead with 7:46 left in the contest. Burrell hit a 3-pointer 45 seconds later and the Sparks led by nine.

A short time later, Ogwumike canned another 3-pointer and Hamby converted a layup as Los Angeles led 90-80 with 4:32 remaining.

Chicago crept within six before Burrell scored on a layup and Ogwumike sank another trey to make it 95-84 lead with 2:29 left as the Sparks closed it out.

Chicago trailed by five at halftime before starting the third quarter with a 13-5 run. A three-point play by Cardoso and a trey by Taylor capped it to give the Sky a 61-58 lead.

Los Angeles answered with an 11-3 burst. Emma Cannon sank a 3-pointer and Ogwumike made two free throws to end it as the Sparks took a 69-64 lead with 3:10 left.

Cannon scored another basket with just under a minute left as the Sparks led 73-70 entering the fourth quarter.

Wheeler scored 15 points in the first half as the Sparks held a 53-48 advantage. Sheldon scored 10 in the half for Chicago.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Nneka #Ogwumikes #big #night #lifts #Sparks #Sky">Deadspin | Nneka Ogwumike’s big night lifts Sparks over Sky Jul 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike (30) looks to pass against Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud (9) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images Nneka Ogwumike scored a season-high 25 points and collected 12 rebounds and five assists to lead the Los Angeles Sparks to a 102-87 victory over the visiting Chicago Sky on Friday night. All three of Ogwumike’s 3-pointers came in the fourth quarter as Los Angeles recorded its second straight victory. The Sparks made 11 of 15 shots in the final quarter, including 4 of 5 from behind the arc. Dearica Hamby added 17 points and seven rebounds, Ariel Atkins had 17 points and six assists and Rae Burrell made four 3-pointers while also scoring 17 for the Sparks (10-11). Erica Wheeler had 15 points and eight assists for Los Angeles, which outscored the Sky 29-17 in the fourth quarter. Kamilla Cardoso (eight rebounds), Sydney Taylor and reserve Gabriela Jaquez scored 15 points apiece for Chicago (7-15). Azura Stevens registered 10 points and eight rebounds and backup Jacy Sheldon added 10 points for the Sky. Skylar Diggins (right knee) missed her second straight game for the Sky, who connected on 43.7% of their attempts, including a lowly 6 of 25 from behind the arc. Los Angeles made 51.3% of its shots and hit 14 of 31 from 3-point range while continuing to play without Kelsey Plum (lower left leg). Ogwumike buried a 3-pointer to give Los Angeles an 80-72 lead with 7:46 left in the contest. Burrell hit a 3-pointer 45 seconds later and the Sparks led by nine. A short time later, Ogwumike canned another 3-pointer and Hamby converted a layup as Los Angeles led 90-80 with 4:32 remaining. Chicago crept within six before Burrell scored on a layup and Ogwumike sank another trey to make it 95-84 lead with 2:29 left as the Sparks closed it out. Chicago trailed by five at halftime before starting the third quarter with a 13-5 run. A three-point play by Cardoso and a trey by Taylor capped it to give the Sky a 61-58 lead. Los Angeles answered with an 11-3 burst. Emma Cannon sank a 3-pointer and Ogwumike made two free throws to end it as the Sparks took a 69-64 lead with 3:10 left. Cannon scored another basket with just under a minute left as the Sparks led 73-70 entering the fourth quarter. Wheeler scored 15 points in the first half as the Sparks held a 53-48 advantage. Sheldon scored 10 in the half for Chicago. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nneka #Ogwumikes #big #night #lifts #Sparks #Sky

NBA: APR 16 SoFi Play-In Tournament - Heat at Bulls
NBA: APR 16 SoFi Play-In Tournament - Heat at Bulls

CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 16: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat and Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat celebrate during the second half of the 2025 SoFi Play-In Tournament against the Chicago Bulls on April 16, 2025 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

#Bam #Adebayo #punched #Tyler #Herro #social #media #criticism #Las #Vegas">Bam Adebayo punched Tyler Herro over social media criticism in Las Vegas CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 16: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat and Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat celebrate during the second half of the 2025 SoFi Play-In Tournament against the Chicago Bulls on April 16, 2025 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty Images #Bam #Adebayo #punched #Tyler #Herro #social #media #criticism #Las #Vegas

Lamine Yamal thinks France should be afraid of Spain, with the European giants headed to a World Cup semifinal showdown on Tuesday.

“I believe if France has to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion,” the teenage sensation told broadcast reporters after Spain beat Belgium 2-1 on Friday to secure its first semifinal berth since 2010. “We were the ones who knocked them out before.”

Spain beat France in the 2024 European Championship semifinals and again in the Nations League last year. Yamal became the youngest player to score in the continental competition.

The powerhouses meet again at the home stadium of the Dallas Cowboys next week for a spot in the final.

“We don’t fear anyone,” said Yamal, who was named the man of the match against Belgium. “It’s clear that we are two great teams, world-class national teams, and for me, they are one of the best. We’ll see what happens.”

Spain advanced on a winning goal by substitute Mikel Merino in the 88th minute of the quarterfinals at SoFi Stadium. La Roja conceded its only goal of the entire World Cup late in the first half against Belgium, while France has piled up 16 goals in its six World Cup matches.

France has made the past two World Cup finals, winning it all in 2018. Spain has made only one World Cup final in its history, but the current team is unbeaten in 37 consecutive competitive matches since March 2023 — a stretch that also includes a loss on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final last year.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has been asked by the international media about this potential showdown with France throughout the tournament but particularly since the start of the knockout rounds two weeks ago. He has been uniformly complimentary of Les Bleus while echoing his own players’ confidence.

READ: Colombian football federation condemns death threats against midfielder Jaminton Campaz

“Let me be clear: We are not finished,” de la Fuente said. “We are pleased to be in the semifinals, but we want more. We are capable of winning this game, and not just now, but I would have said this a few weeks ago as well.”

Yamal, who turns 19 on Monday, has only one goal and no assists while putting 10 shots on target in his first World Cup, but his playmaking and activity down the right side of Spain’s attack have been noticeable in almost every match. He started the sequence that led to Spain’s first goal against Belgium in a two-man game with Pedro Porro, eventually leading to Fabián Ruiz’s rebound goal off Dani Olmo’s shot.

Yamal said his modest statistics don’t bother him, noting that he also scored only one goal (with four assists) while Spain won the European Championship two years ago.

Although Spain needed a late goal from Merino to win for the second straight match, Yamal believes his team is ready for the challenge of arguably the World Cup’s most dominant team so far. Yamal cited Spain’s acumen in ball possession – a stat it has repeatedly dominated during this World Cup – as a way to take France out of its preferred style of play.

“I think we were much better (than Belgium),” Yamal said. “It seems like we’re playing very beautiful football, but in reality, there isn’t a team that plays against us on equal footing. Everyone drops back, and that makes it more difficult. Nobody has gone toe-to-toe with us. But in the end, we secured the win.”

Published on Jul 11, 2026

#Lamine #Yamal #France #fear #Spain #ahead #World #Cup #semifinal #clash">Lamine Yamal says France should fear Spain ahead of World Cup semifinal clash Lamine Yamal thinks France should be afraid of Spain, with the European giants headed to a World Cup semifinal showdown on Tuesday.“I believe if France has to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion,” the teenage sensation told broadcast reporters after Spain beat Belgium 2-1 on Friday to secure its first semifinal berth since 2010. “We were the ones who knocked them out before.”Spain beat France in the 2024 European Championship semifinals and again in the Nations League last year. Yamal became the youngest player to score in the continental competition.The powerhouses meet again at the home stadium of the Dallas Cowboys next week for a spot in the final.“We don’t fear anyone,” said Yamal, who was named the man of the match against Belgium. “It’s clear that we are two great teams, world-class national teams, and for me, they are one of the best. We’ll see what happens.”Spain advanced on a winning goal by substitute Mikel Merino in the 88th minute of the quarterfinals at SoFi Stadium. La Roja conceded its only goal of the entire World Cup late in the first half against Belgium, while France has piled up 16 goals in its six World Cup matches.France has made the past two World Cup finals, winning it all in 2018. Spain has made only one World Cup final in its history, but the current team is unbeaten in 37 consecutive competitive matches since March 2023 — a stretch that also includes a loss on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final last year.Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has been asked by the international media about this potential showdown with France throughout the tournament but particularly since the start of the knockout rounds two weeks ago. He has been uniformly complimentary of Les Bleus while echoing his own players’ confidence.READ: Colombian football federation condemns death threats against midfielder Jaminton Campaz“Let me be clear: We are not finished,” de la Fuente said. “We are pleased to be in the semifinals, but we want more. We are capable of winning this game, and not just now, but I would have said this a few weeks ago as well.”Yamal, who turns 19 on Monday, has only one goal and no assists while putting 10 shots on target in his first World Cup, but his playmaking and activity down the right side of Spain’s attack have been noticeable in almost every match. He started the sequence that led to Spain’s first goal against Belgium in a two-man game with Pedro Porro, eventually leading to Fabián Ruiz’s rebound goal off Dani Olmo’s shot.Yamal said his modest statistics don’t bother him, noting that he also scored only one goal (with four assists) while Spain won the European Championship two years ago.Although Spain needed a late goal from Merino to win for the second straight match, Yamal believes his team is ready for the challenge of arguably the World Cup’s most dominant team so far. Yamal cited Spain’s acumen in ball possession – a stat it has repeatedly dominated during this World Cup – as a way to take France out of its preferred style of play.“I think we were much better (than Belgium),” Yamal said. “It seems like we’re playing very beautiful football, but in reality, there isn’t a team that plays against us on equal footing. Everyone drops back, and that makes it more difficult. Nobody has gone toe-to-toe with us. But in the end, we secured the win.”Published on Jul 11, 2026 #Lamine #Yamal #France #fear #Spain #ahead #World #Cup #semifinal #clash

Colombian football federation condemns death threats against midfielder Jaminton Campaz

“Let me be clear: We are not finished,” de la Fuente said. “We are pleased to be in the semifinals, but we want more. We are capable of winning this game, and not just now, but I would have said this a few weeks ago as well.”

Yamal, who turns 19 on Monday, has only one goal and no assists while putting 10 shots on target in his first World Cup, but his playmaking and activity down the right side of Spain’s attack have been noticeable in almost every match. He started the sequence that led to Spain’s first goal against Belgium in a two-man game with Pedro Porro, eventually leading to Fabián Ruiz’s rebound goal off Dani Olmo’s shot.

Yamal said his modest statistics don’t bother him, noting that he also scored only one goal (with four assists) while Spain won the European Championship two years ago.

Although Spain needed a late goal from Merino to win for the second straight match, Yamal believes his team is ready for the challenge of arguably the World Cup’s most dominant team so far. Yamal cited Spain’s acumen in ball possession – a stat it has repeatedly dominated during this World Cup – as a way to take France out of its preferred style of play.

“I think we were much better (than Belgium),” Yamal said. “It seems like we’re playing very beautiful football, but in reality, there isn’t a team that plays against us on equal footing. Everyone drops back, and that makes it more difficult. Nobody has gone toe-to-toe with us. But in the end, we secured the win.”

Published on Jul 11, 2026

#Lamine #Yamal #France #fear #Spain #ahead #World #Cup #semifinal #clash">Lamine Yamal says France should fear Spain ahead of World Cup semifinal clash

Lamine Yamal thinks France should be afraid of Spain, with the European giants headed to a World Cup semifinal showdown on Tuesday.

“I believe if France has to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion,” the teenage sensation told broadcast reporters after Spain beat Belgium 2-1 on Friday to secure its first semifinal berth since 2010. “We were the ones who knocked them out before.”

Spain beat France in the 2024 European Championship semifinals and again in the Nations League last year. Yamal became the youngest player to score in the continental competition.

The powerhouses meet again at the home stadium of the Dallas Cowboys next week for a spot in the final.

“We don’t fear anyone,” said Yamal, who was named the man of the match against Belgium. “It’s clear that we are two great teams, world-class national teams, and for me, they are one of the best. We’ll see what happens.”

Spain advanced on a winning goal by substitute Mikel Merino in the 88th minute of the quarterfinals at SoFi Stadium. La Roja conceded its only goal of the entire World Cup late in the first half against Belgium, while France has piled up 16 goals in its six World Cup matches.

France has made the past two World Cup finals, winning it all in 2018. Spain has made only one World Cup final in its history, but the current team is unbeaten in 37 consecutive competitive matches since March 2023 — a stretch that also includes a loss on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final last year.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has been asked by the international media about this potential showdown with France throughout the tournament but particularly since the start of the knockout rounds two weeks ago. He has been uniformly complimentary of Les Bleus while echoing his own players’ confidence.

READ: Colombian football federation condemns death threats against midfielder Jaminton Campaz

“Let me be clear: We are not finished,” de la Fuente said. “We are pleased to be in the semifinals, but we want more. We are capable of winning this game, and not just now, but I would have said this a few weeks ago as well.”

Yamal, who turns 19 on Monday, has only one goal and no assists while putting 10 shots on target in his first World Cup, but his playmaking and activity down the right side of Spain’s attack have been noticeable in almost every match. He started the sequence that led to Spain’s first goal against Belgium in a two-man game with Pedro Porro, eventually leading to Fabián Ruiz’s rebound goal off Dani Olmo’s shot.

Yamal said his modest statistics don’t bother him, noting that he also scored only one goal (with four assists) while Spain won the European Championship two years ago.

Although Spain needed a late goal from Merino to win for the second straight match, Yamal believes his team is ready for the challenge of arguably the World Cup’s most dominant team so far. Yamal cited Spain’s acumen in ball possession – a stat it has repeatedly dominated during this World Cup – as a way to take France out of its preferred style of play.

“I think we were much better (than Belgium),” Yamal said. “It seems like we’re playing very beautiful football, but in reality, there isn’t a team that plays against us on equal footing. Everyone drops back, and that makes it more difficult. Nobody has gone toe-to-toe with us. But in the end, we secured the win.”

Published on Jul 11, 2026

#Lamine #Yamal #France #fear #Spain #ahead #World #Cup #semifinal #clash

Post Comment