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Deadspin | Scottie Scheffler in driver’s seat for Cadillac Championship  Apr 18, 2026; Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA; Scottie Scheffler eyes his line on 17 during the third round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images   Scottie Scheffler revved up for this week’s Cadillac Championship by playing in a pro-am group with Formula 1 drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio “Checo” Perez.  “It was fun. I got to talk with Checo a little bit about some different stuff, and kind of how they prepare for events,” Scheffler said. “I’m not — I don’t know a ton about the Formula 1 — but it was really interesting to hear things from his perspective about how he prepares for events, and what the week looks like for them.”  Scheffler is in the driver’s seat as the fifth Signature Event of the 2026 PGA Tour season begins on Thursday at Trump National Doral’s fabled Blue Monster Course in Miami. Doral returns to the schedule after hosting tour events for more than 50 years from 1962-2016.  Scheffler, 29, who turned pro in 2018, played the nearly 7,800-yard course for the first time with nine holes Tuesday and nine more on Wednesday.  “Felt like the rumors about the course were true,” he said. “It’s long, it’s difficult. Should be a good test this week.”  The World No. 1 is coming off back-to-back runner-up efforts this month, following his second-place finish at the Masters with a playoff loss to Matt Fitzpatrick at the RBC Heritage.  “Sometimes the bounces go your way and other times they don’t go your way and that’s not necessarily the whole gist of it,” Scheffler said of his recent run of success. “But sometimes you’re able to build some positive momentum, and I think at times in my career I’ve been able to really feed off of that.”   Scheffler didn’t sound too intimidated after his first look at the Blue Monster.  “This course in particular is pretty straightforward in a sense of like you can see off the tee box where you need to hit it. It’s just a matter of hitting it there time and time again,” he said. “There’s not really many tricks to this golf course. It’s just very, very difficult. It’s a flat piece of land. There’s just a lot of bunkers, a lot of water and the golf holes are long. So with that combination, it’s going to be tough.”  Playing a round with the Cadillac F1 team gave Scheffler a chance to talk shop and gain insight as he seeks his 21st career PGA Tour win this week in South Florida.   “When I see somebody like Checo who has made, who has had such a successful career in F1 and in his sport and made it to the top of his sport, like that’s something that’s really interesting just to talk to somebody about to see their mentality, to see how they approach things, what they do,” Scheffler said.   “Like today we were talking about cardio for a bit today. Like that stuff just interests me. I like seeing what makes people tick. I like learning from them. I feel like you can be, shoot, learning all the time, no matter who it is. I think there’s always something to be learned.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Scottie #Scheffler #drivers #seat #Cadillac #Championship

Deadspin | Scottie Scheffler in driver’s seat for Cadillac Championship
Deadspin | Scottie Scheffler in driver’s seat for Cadillac Championship  Apr 18, 2026; Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA; Scottie Scheffler eyes his line on 17 during the third round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images   Scottie Scheffler revved up for this week’s Cadillac Championship by playing in a pro-am group with Formula 1 drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio “Checo” Perez.  “It was fun. I got to talk with Checo a little bit about some different stuff, and kind of how they prepare for events,” Scheffler said. “I’m not — I don’t know a ton about the Formula 1 — but it was really interesting to hear things from his perspective about how he prepares for events, and what the week looks like for them.”  Scheffler is in the driver’s seat as the fifth Signature Event of the 2026 PGA Tour season begins on Thursday at Trump National Doral’s fabled Blue Monster Course in Miami. Doral returns to the schedule after hosting tour events for more than 50 years from 1962-2016.  Scheffler, 29, who turned pro in 2018, played the nearly 7,800-yard course for the first time with nine holes Tuesday and nine more on Wednesday.  “Felt like the rumors about the course were true,” he said. “It’s long, it’s difficult. Should be a good test this week.”  The World No. 1 is coming off back-to-back runner-up efforts this month, following his second-place finish at the Masters with a playoff loss to Matt Fitzpatrick at the RBC Heritage.  “Sometimes the bounces go your way and other times they don’t go your way and that’s not necessarily the whole gist of it,” Scheffler said of his recent run of success. “But sometimes you’re able to build some positive momentum, and I think at times in my career I’ve been able to really feed off of that.”   Scheffler didn’t sound too intimidated after his first look at the Blue Monster.  “This course in particular is pretty straightforward in a sense of like you can see off the tee box where you need to hit it. It’s just a matter of hitting it there time and time again,” he said. “There’s not really many tricks to this golf course. It’s just very, very difficult. It’s a flat piece of land. There’s just a lot of bunkers, a lot of water and the golf holes are long. So with that combination, it’s going to be tough.”  Playing a round with the Cadillac F1 team gave Scheffler a chance to talk shop and gain insight as he seeks his 21st career PGA Tour win this week in South Florida.   “When I see somebody like Checo who has made, who has had such a successful career in F1 and in his sport and made it to the top of his sport, like that’s something that’s really interesting just to talk to somebody about to see their mentality, to see how they approach things, what they do,” Scheffler said.   “Like today we were talking about cardio for a bit today. Like that stuff just interests me. I like seeing what makes people tick. I like learning from them. I feel like you can be, shoot, learning all the time, no matter who it is. I think there’s always something to be learned.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Scottie #Scheffler #drivers #seat #Cadillac #ChampionshipApr 18, 2026; Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA; Scottie Scheffler eyes his line on 17 during the third round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Scottie Scheffler revved up for this week’s Cadillac Championship by playing in a pro-am group with Formula 1 drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio “Checo” Perez.

“It was fun. I got to talk with Checo a little bit about some different stuff, and kind of how they prepare for events,” Scheffler said. “I’m not — I don’t know a ton about the Formula 1 — but it was really interesting to hear things from his perspective about how he prepares for events, and what the week looks like for them.”

Scheffler is in the driver’s seat as the fifth Signature Event of the 2026 PGA Tour season begins on Thursday at Trump National Doral’s fabled Blue Monster Course in Miami. Doral returns to the schedule after hosting tour events for more than 50 years from 1962-2016.

Scheffler, 29, who turned pro in 2018, played the nearly 7,800-yard course for the first time with nine holes Tuesday and nine more on Wednesday.

“Felt like the rumors about the course were true,” he said. “It’s long, it’s difficult. Should be a good test this week.”

The World No. 1 is coming off back-to-back runner-up efforts this month, following his second-place finish at the Masters with a playoff loss to Matt Fitzpatrick at the RBC Heritage.


“Sometimes the bounces go your way and other times they don’t go your way and that’s not necessarily the whole gist of it,” Scheffler said of his recent run of success. “But sometimes you’re able to build some positive momentum, and I think at times in my career I’ve been able to really feed off of that.”

Scheffler didn’t sound too intimidated after his first look at the Blue Monster.

“This course in particular is pretty straightforward in a sense of like you can see off the tee box where you need to hit it. It’s just a matter of hitting it there time and time again,” he said. “There’s not really many tricks to this golf course. It’s just very, very difficult. It’s a flat piece of land. There’s just a lot of bunkers, a lot of water and the golf holes are long. So with that combination, it’s going to be tough.”

Playing a round with the Cadillac F1 team gave Scheffler a chance to talk shop and gain insight as he seeks his 21st career PGA Tour win this week in South Florida.

“When I see somebody like Checo who has made, who has had such a successful career in F1 and in his sport and made it to the top of his sport, like that’s something that’s really interesting just to talk to somebody about to see their mentality, to see how they approach things, what they do,” Scheffler said.

“Like today we were talking about cardio for a bit today. Like that stuff just interests me. I like seeing what makes people tick. I like learning from them. I feel like you can be, shoot, learning all the time, no matter who it is. I think there’s always something to be learned.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Scottie #Scheffler #drivers #seat #Cadillac #Championship

Apr 18, 2026; Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA; Scottie Scheffler eyes his line on 17 during the third round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Scottie Scheffler revved up for this week’s Cadillac Championship by playing in a pro-am group with Formula 1 drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio “Checo” Perez.

“It was fun. I got to talk with Checo a little bit about some different stuff, and kind of how they prepare for events,” Scheffler said. “I’m not — I don’t know a ton about the Formula 1 — but it was really interesting to hear things from his perspective about how he prepares for events, and what the week looks like for them.”

Scheffler is in the driver’s seat as the fifth Signature Event of the 2026 PGA Tour season begins on Thursday at Trump National Doral’s fabled Blue Monster Course in Miami. Doral returns to the schedule after hosting tour events for more than 50 years from 1962-2016.

Scheffler, 29, who turned pro in 2018, played the nearly 7,800-yard course for the first time with nine holes Tuesday and nine more on Wednesday.

“Felt like the rumors about the course were true,” he said. “It’s long, it’s difficult. Should be a good test this week.”

The World No. 1 is coming off back-to-back runner-up efforts this month, following his second-place finish at the Masters with a playoff loss to Matt Fitzpatrick at the RBC Heritage.

“Sometimes the bounces go your way and other times they don’t go your way and that’s not necessarily the whole gist of it,” Scheffler said of his recent run of success. “But sometimes you’re able to build some positive momentum, and I think at times in my career I’ve been able to really feed off of that.”

Scheffler didn’t sound too intimidated after his first look at the Blue Monster.

“This course in particular is pretty straightforward in a sense of like you can see off the tee box where you need to hit it. It’s just a matter of hitting it there time and time again,” he said. “There’s not really many tricks to this golf course. It’s just very, very difficult. It’s a flat piece of land. There’s just a lot of bunkers, a lot of water and the golf holes are long. So with that combination, it’s going to be tough.”

Playing a round with the Cadillac F1 team gave Scheffler a chance to talk shop and gain insight as he seeks his 21st career PGA Tour win this week in South Florida.

“When I see somebody like Checo who has made, who has had such a successful career in F1 and in his sport and made it to the top of his sport, like that’s something that’s really interesting just to talk to somebody about to see their mentality, to see how they approach things, what they do,” Scheffler said.

“Like today we were talking about cardio for a bit today. Like that stuff just interests me. I like seeing what makes people tick. I like learning from them. I feel like you can be, shoot, learning all the time, no matter who it is. I think there’s always something to be learned.”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Scottie #Scheffler #drivers #seat #Cadillac #Championship

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Verstappen taking his time on F1 future <div id="content-body-70927473" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Max Verstappen said he was ​taking his time in deciding his Formula One future and called recent ‌rule changes merely a ‘tickle’ rather than what was really ​required.</p><p>Red Bull’s four-time world champion is no fan of ⁠the sport’s new engine era and has suggested he is unhappy enough to walk away.</p><p>The uncertainty around him has increased after McLaren announced the ‌Dutchman’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase would be joining them by 2028 at the latest.</p><p>“I still have time and I’m ‌taking my time,” Verstappen, 28, told reporters on Thursday ‌ahead ⁠of the Miami Grand Prix weekend. “What I said in ⁠Japan is still the same, but I also still have a lot of time.”</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/motorsport/f1/f1-drivers-welcome-engine-rule-changes-say-more-change-needed-reactions-miami-gp/article70927457.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Formula One drivers, including Verstappen, react to rule changes</a></b></p><p>Verstappen said Lambiase’s move had no bearing on his future and there were no ​hard feelings.</p><p>He once said he ‌would stop racing if Lambiase was no longer his race engineer, the voice in his ear over the team radio during the race, but he distanced himself from that stance on ‌Thursday and made clear he would have to find someone ​else.</p><p>“Otherwise I don’t get to drive,” Verstappen said grinning. “I think also, you know, times change. I would ⁠be an idiot to try and keep him. It’s not only about me all the time.</p><p>“The future, that’s what we are looking at ‌now. You know, with a different race engineer. I’m sure we’ll find solutions for that as well.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on May 01, 2026</p></div> #Verstappen #time #future

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MP News: अचानक बदला मौसम का मिजाज, मध्यप्रदेश के 17 जिलों में बारिश का अलर्ट

Deadspin | Marlins attempt to recapture June success in series finale vs. Rockies  Jun 27, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) delivers a pitch to Minnesota Twins third baseman Brooks Lee (22) in the second inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images   Mickey Moniak is beginning to perform like a No. 1 overall draft pick again.  Moniak will try to keep his latest hot streak going for the Colorado Rockies when they oppose the Miami Marlins in the finale of a four-game series on Thursday afternoon in Denver.  Moniak came within a single of hitting for the cycle in the Rockies’ 6-3 win against the Marlins on Wednesday. The first pick in the 2016 draft also homered in Colorado’s 14-3 loss to Miami on Tuesday.  “He was a first overall (pick) for a reason, so it’s never been a thing of talent,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of Moniak following the Wednesday game. “Guys take a circuitous route to find a place that they settle into in a part of their career. It seems like he’s found a place here in Denver that he’s comfortable in, and certainly swings the bat very well in this ballpark, and he was a big factor for them (Wednesday) evening.”  The Marlins fell on the first day of July after finishing June with a 20-6 record, the best mark in the majors and the best month in their history (.769). It was only the second time in franchise annals that Miami won at least 20 games in a month, following a 21-8 ledger in May 2012.  Miami starter Max Meyer came into the Wednesday game with a shiny 9-0 record, but with one out in the first, Moniak hit the second pitch he saw from Meyer over the fence for a 1-0 lead.  “Staying on a fastball, drove it out to left-center,” Moniak said. “When I’m doing that, things are usually feeling pretty good.”  McCullough would like to see a better approach at the plate from his hitters in the series finale. Miami struck out 11 times on Wednesday, with Esteury Ruiz (four), Kyle Stowers (three) and Owen Caissie (two) accounting for nine.  McCullough did witness something he’d never seen before: a pinch-hit inside-the-park homer. Joe Mack circled the bases after his long fly ball took an odd bounce off the center field wall in the seventh inning.  “I didn’t have Joe Mack doing that on my bingo card,” McCullough said. “This ballpark’s crazy.”   Colorado plans to send veteran right-hander Michael Lorenzen to the mound in hopes of splitting the series after dropping the first two.  Lorenzen (3-9, 6.83 ERA) showed signs of rebounding from a difficult stretch in which he went 10 straight starts without a victory and lost seven times. He ended the skid on Saturday when he allowed two runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings during an 8-5 victory against the Minnesota Twins. It was his first win since April 24.  “He pounded the zone. He got ahead. He didn’t try to do too much,” Colorado manager Warren Schaeffer said. “He was efficient with his pitches. He threw his sinker a ton and got some quick outs. Didn’t hunt the punchout, which was great. I thought Mike was very, very good.”  Lorenzen faced the Marlins in the second game of the season and went 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision at Miami. He allowed three runs and seven hits.  Lorenzen has had decent success against the Marlins in his career overall, going 4-2 with a 2.62 ERA in 18 appearances, including seven starts.  Following the Wednesday game, McCullough named Ryan Gusto as his starting pitcher for Thursday.  Gusto (0-2, 5.06 ERA) tossed 3 1/3 shutout innings in his latest outing, on Saturday in a no-decision against the host St. Louis Cardinals. That came after a similar performance on June 21, when the right-hander limited the San Francisco Giants to one run and three hits in 4 1/3 innings. Miami won both games.  Gusto has never faced the Rockies in his two-year major league career.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Marlins #attempt #recapture #June #success #series #finale #RockiesJun 27, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) delivers a pitch to Minnesota Twins third baseman Brooks Lee (22) in the second inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Mickey Moniak is beginning to perform like a No. 1 overall draft pick again.

Moniak will try to keep his latest hot streak going for the Colorado Rockies when they oppose the Miami Marlins in the finale of a four-game series on Thursday afternoon in Denver.

Moniak came within a single of hitting for the cycle in the Rockies’ 6-3 win against the Marlins on Wednesday. The first pick in the 2016 draft also homered in Colorado’s 14-3 loss to Miami on Tuesday.

“He was a first overall (pick) for a reason, so it’s never been a thing of talent,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of Moniak following the Wednesday game. “Guys take a circuitous route to find a place that they settle into in a part of their career. It seems like he’s found a place here in Denver that he’s comfortable in, and certainly swings the bat very well in this ballpark, and he was a big factor for them (Wednesday) evening.”

The Marlins fell on the first day of July after finishing June with a 20-6 record, the best mark in the majors and the best month in their history (.769). It was only the second time in franchise annals that Miami won at least 20 games in a month, following a 21-8 ledger in May 2012.

Miami starter Max Meyer came into the Wednesday game with a shiny 9-0 record, but with one out in the first, Moniak hit the second pitch he saw from Meyer over the fence for a 1-0 lead.

“Staying on a fastball, drove it out to left-center,” Moniak said. “When I’m doing that, things are usually feeling pretty good.”

McCullough would like to see a better approach at the plate from his hitters in the series finale. Miami struck out 11 times on Wednesday, with Esteury Ruiz (four), Kyle Stowers (three) and Owen Caissie (two) accounting for nine.

McCullough did witness something he’d never seen before: a pinch-hit inside-the-park homer. Joe Mack circled the bases after his long fly ball took an odd bounce off the center field wall in the seventh inning.


“I didn’t have Joe Mack doing that on my bingo card,” McCullough said. “This ballpark’s crazy.”

Colorado plans to send veteran right-hander Michael Lorenzen to the mound in hopes of splitting the series after dropping the first two.

Lorenzen (3-9, 6.83 ERA) showed signs of rebounding from a difficult stretch in which he went 10 straight starts without a victory and lost seven times. He ended the skid on Saturday when he allowed two runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings during an 8-5 victory against the Minnesota Twins. It was his first win since April 24.

“He pounded the zone. He got ahead. He didn’t try to do too much,” Colorado manager Warren Schaeffer said. “He was efficient with his pitches. He threw his sinker a ton and got some quick outs. Didn’t hunt the punchout, which was great. I thought Mike was very, very good.”

Lorenzen faced the Marlins in the second game of the season and went 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision at Miami. He allowed three runs and seven hits.

Lorenzen has had decent success against the Marlins in his career overall, going 4-2 with a 2.62 ERA in 18 appearances, including seven starts.

Following the Wednesday game, McCullough named Ryan Gusto as his starting pitcher for Thursday.

Gusto (0-2, 5.06 ERA) tossed 3 1/3 shutout innings in his latest outing, on Saturday in a no-decision against the host St. Louis Cardinals. That came after a similar performance on June 21, when the right-hander limited the San Francisco Giants to one run and three hits in 4 1/3 innings. Miami won both games.

Gusto has never faced the Rockies in his two-year major league career.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Marlins #attempt #recapture #June #success #series #finale #Rockies">Deadspin | Marlins attempt to recapture June success in series finale vs. Rockies  Jun 27, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) delivers a pitch to Minnesota Twins third baseman Brooks Lee (22) in the second inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images   Mickey Moniak is beginning to perform like a No. 1 overall draft pick again.  Moniak will try to keep his latest hot streak going for the Colorado Rockies when they oppose the Miami Marlins in the finale of a four-game series on Thursday afternoon in Denver.  Moniak came within a single of hitting for the cycle in the Rockies’ 6-3 win against the Marlins on Wednesday. The first pick in the 2016 draft also homered in Colorado’s 14-3 loss to Miami on Tuesday.  “He was a first overall (pick) for a reason, so it’s never been a thing of talent,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of Moniak following the Wednesday game. “Guys take a circuitous route to find a place that they settle into in a part of their career. It seems like he’s found a place here in Denver that he’s comfortable in, and certainly swings the bat very well in this ballpark, and he was a big factor for them (Wednesday) evening.”  The Marlins fell on the first day of July after finishing June with a 20-6 record, the best mark in the majors and the best month in their history (.769). It was only the second time in franchise annals that Miami won at least 20 games in a month, following a 21-8 ledger in May 2012.  Miami starter Max Meyer came into the Wednesday game with a shiny 9-0 record, but with one out in the first, Moniak hit the second pitch he saw from Meyer over the fence for a 1-0 lead.  “Staying on a fastball, drove it out to left-center,” Moniak said. “When I’m doing that, things are usually feeling pretty good.”  McCullough would like to see a better approach at the plate from his hitters in the series finale. Miami struck out 11 times on Wednesday, with Esteury Ruiz (four), Kyle Stowers (three) and Owen Caissie (two) accounting for nine.  McCullough did witness something he’d never seen before: a pinch-hit inside-the-park homer. Joe Mack circled the bases after his long fly ball took an odd bounce off the center field wall in the seventh inning.  “I didn’t have Joe Mack doing that on my bingo card,” McCullough said. “This ballpark’s crazy.”   Colorado plans to send veteran right-hander Michael Lorenzen to the mound in hopes of splitting the series after dropping the first two.  Lorenzen (3-9, 6.83 ERA) showed signs of rebounding from a difficult stretch in which he went 10 straight starts without a victory and lost seven times. He ended the skid on Saturday when he allowed two runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings during an 8-5 victory against the Minnesota Twins. It was his first win since April 24.  “He pounded the zone. He got ahead. He didn’t try to do too much,” Colorado manager Warren Schaeffer said. “He was efficient with his pitches. He threw his sinker a ton and got some quick outs. Didn’t hunt the punchout, which was great. I thought Mike was very, very good.”  Lorenzen faced the Marlins in the second game of the season and went 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision at Miami. He allowed three runs and seven hits.  Lorenzen has had decent success against the Marlins in his career overall, going 4-2 with a 2.62 ERA in 18 appearances, including seven starts.  Following the Wednesday game, McCullough named Ryan Gusto as his starting pitcher for Thursday.  Gusto (0-2, 5.06 ERA) tossed 3 1/3 shutout innings in his latest outing, on Saturday in a no-decision against the host St. Louis Cardinals. That came after a similar performance on June 21, when the right-hander limited the San Francisco Giants to one run and three hits in 4 1/3 innings. Miami won both games.  Gusto has never faced the Rockies in his two-year major league career.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Marlins #attempt #recapture #June #success #series #finale #Rockies

The United States is moving on to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Folarin Balogun’s goal in the 45th minute proved to be enough, as the United States knocked off Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 Wednesday night.

So, what is up next for the United States at the World Cup?

A match against Belgium, one of the top ten teams in the world prior to the start of the tournament. Belgium booked a spot in the Round of 16 with a dramatic, comeback win against Senegal, and now await the United States in the Round of 16.

Here’s what you need to know about Belgium ahead of Monday’s matchup.

Belgium’s run to the Round of 16

Belgium accomplished something we have not seen since, well, the United States during the 2010 World Cup.

Winning the group despite not winning either of their first two matches.

After a pair of punchless performances in group play – a 1-1 draw with Egypt followed by a 0-0 draw with Iran, with the lone goal an own goal from Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany – Belgium clinched the top spot in Group G with a 5-1 victory over New Zealand, booking a match in the Round of 32 against Senegal.

In that match against New Zealand a pair of goals from Leandro Trossard, the first in the 28th minute and the second in the 50th minute, were enough for Belgium to move on. But Rudi Garcia’s side added three more for good measure, as Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Kevin De Bruyne all scored. De Bruyne’s strike, coming outside the box, was in particular a stunning moment.

Then came the match against Senegal in the Round of 32, which almost mirrored Belgium’s run to the knockout stage of the World Cup. The first 85 minutes or so were all Senegal, as the African side built a 2-0 lead and looked to be moving on to the Round of 16 themselves.

Everything then changed in the closing minutes of ordinary time.

First it was Lukaku, who came on as a substitute and pulled one back for Belgium in the 86th minute:

Then just minutes later Youri Tielemans somehow got to this ball into the box, and his header pulled Belgium level:

The match advanced to extra time, and in the second 15 minutes, it was again Tielemans calling for the ball in the box, only this time he was chopped down to the turf.

After a video review, a penalty was awarded. Tielemans stepped to the spot, buried his shot, and all but sent Belgium through to the Round of 16:

Moments later that was official, as the final whistle blew.

The Napoli midfielder earned his 123rd cap for Belgium against Senegal, and his moment of brilliance against New Zealand illustrates what the former Manchester City player is capable of:

That goal, coming days ahead of his 35th birthday, was his 38th international goal for Belgium. He was also a critical piece for Belgium during the team’s run to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, as he finished the tournament with a goal and a pair of assists.

The imposing striker, used as more of a super sub at this point in his career, can still impact a match. Coming off the bench against Egypt in Belgium’s opening match of group play, his side equalized mere seconds after he came onto the pitch, with his presence in front impacting the flow of play.

And it was his goal against Senegal late in the match that pulled Belgium back into the contest:

Lukaku appeared in just five matches for Napoli this past year, scoring once, but seems to be nearing full fitness at this point in the World Cup. And that comes at a dangerous time for the United States defenders.

The midfielder was a key part of Arsenal’s run to the Premier League title, as he scored six goals and added six assists during the EPL season. His brace against New Zealand was a big reason Belgium won the group, and this goal highlights his skill and quality:

Not only do you see the lovely touch and turn, but the reaction skills to play the ball to his foot off the deflection and finish are top notch.

The Real Madrid keeper remains one of the best to ever do it.

While Thibaut Courtois may retire from the international stage following this World Cup, he remains a hulking presence in goal, his 6’7 frame sending shivers down the spine of many a striker. Courtois won the Golden Glove at the 2018 World Cup, recording 27 saves while keeping three clean sheets over seven matches, and conceding just six times.

While he has battled injuries in recent years, including missing the entire 2023-24 season with a torn ACL, he has conceded just twice ahead of the Round of 16.

He also set a new national record in the match against New Zealand, as it was his 18th World Cup tie for Belgium.

The Manchester City forward has yet to score at the 2026 World Cup, with a pair of assists to his credit, and was subbed off the pitch in the second half against Senegal. Doku also missed the match against Iraq due to a respiratory infection, and did briefly return home to be with his wife Shireen as the couple celebrated the birth of their first child, Praise.

While he has yet to open his account in the 2026 World Cup, he remains a threat that the USMNT will have to monitor when he is on the pitch.

#United #States #play #World #Cup">Who does the United States play in the World Cup Round of 16?  The United States is moving on to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Folarin Balogun’s goal in the 45th minute proved to be enough, as the United States knocked off Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 Wednesday night.So, what is up next for the United States at the World Cup?A match against Belgium, one of the top ten teams in the world prior to the start of the tournament. Belgium booked a spot in the Round of 16 with a dramatic, comeback win against Senegal, and now await the United States in the Round of 16.Here’s what you need to know about Belgium ahead of Monday’s matchup.Belgium’s run to the Round of 16Belgium accomplished something we have not seen since, well, the United States during the 2010 World Cup.Winning the group despite not winning either of their first two matches.After a pair of punchless performances in group play – a 1-1 draw with Egypt followed by a 0-0 draw with Iran, with the lone goal an own goal from Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany – Belgium clinched the top spot in Group G with a 5-1 victory over New Zealand, booking a match in the Round of 32 against Senegal.In that match against New Zealand a pair of goals from Leandro Trossard, the first in the 28th minute and the second in the 50th minute, were enough for Belgium to move on. But Rudi Garcia’s side added three more for good measure, as Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Kevin De Bruyne all scored. De Bruyne’s strike, coming outside the box, was in particular a stunning moment.Then came the match against Senegal in the Round of 32, which almost mirrored Belgium’s run to the knockout stage of the World Cup. The first 85 minutes or so were all Senegal, as the African side built a 2-0 lead and looked to be moving on to the Round of 16 themselves.Everything then changed in the closing minutes of ordinary time.First it was Lukaku, who came on as a substitute and pulled one back for Belgium in the 86th minute:Then just minutes later Youri Tielemans somehow got to this ball into the box, and his header pulled Belgium level:The match advanced to extra time, and in the second 15 minutes, it was again Tielemans calling for the ball in the box, only this time he was chopped down to the turf.After a video review, a penalty was awarded. Tielemans stepped to the spot, buried his shot, and all but sent Belgium through to the Round of 16:Moments later that was official, as the final whistle blew.The Napoli midfielder earned his 123rd cap for Belgium against Senegal, and his moment of brilliance against New Zealand illustrates what the former Manchester City player is capable of:That goal, coming days ahead of his 35th birthday, was his 38th international goal for Belgium. He was also a critical piece for Belgium during the team’s run to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, as he finished the tournament with a goal and a pair of assists.The imposing striker, used as more of a super sub at this point in his career, can still impact a match. Coming off the bench against Egypt in Belgium’s opening match of group play, his side equalized mere seconds after he came onto the pitch, with his presence in front impacting the flow of play.And it was his goal against Senegal late in the match that pulled Belgium back into the contest:Lukaku appeared in just five matches for Napoli this past year, scoring once, but seems to be nearing full fitness at this point in the World Cup. And that comes at a dangerous time for the United States defenders.The midfielder was a key part of Arsenal’s run to the Premier League title, as he scored six goals and added six assists during the EPL season. His brace against New Zealand was a big reason Belgium won the group, and this goal highlights his skill and quality:Not only do you see the lovely touch and turn, but the reaction skills to play the ball to his foot off the deflection and finish are top notch.The Real Madrid keeper remains one of the best to ever do it.While Thibaut Courtois may retire from the international stage following this World Cup, he remains a hulking presence in goal, his 6’7 frame sending shivers down the spine of many a striker. Courtois won the Golden Glove at the 2018 World Cup, recording 27 saves while keeping three clean sheets over seven matches, and conceding just six times.While he has battled injuries in recent years, including missing the entire 2023-24 season with a torn ACL, he has conceded just twice ahead of the Round of 16.He also set a new national record in the match against New Zealand, as it was his 18th World Cup tie for Belgium.The Manchester City forward has yet to score at the 2026 World Cup, with a pair of assists to his credit, and was subbed off the pitch in the second half against Senegal. Doku also missed the match against Iraq due to a respiratory infection, and did briefly return home to be with his wife Shireen as the couple celebrated the birth of their first child, Praise.While he has yet to open his account in the 2026 World Cup, he remains a threat that the USMNT will have to monitor when he is on the pitch.  #United #States #play #World #Cup

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