Was video review improperly used to determine that United States striker Folarin Balogun deserved a red card for his foul on Bosnia and Herzegovinas Tarek Muharemovic?Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute of the USMNTs 2-0 win in the World Cup Round of 32 on Wednesday night. As he and Muharemovic jockeyed for position for a ball bouncing towards them, Balogun stepped on the back of Muharemovics leg and turned his ankle.The step appeared accidental Balogun was looking straight ahead at the time and was a bit off-balance. But slow-motion replays made the step look brutal. And its an open question if those slowed-down replays should have been available to referee Raphael Claus as he decided to eject Balogun from the game and give him an ensuing one-game suspension.Claus did not call a foul as the play happened in real time. The whistle only blew when the ball had gone out of play before Claus motioned for Bosnia and Herzegovinas training staff to come onto the field.As Muharemovic was on the ground in pain and Balogun was getting an apparent right leg cramp stretched out, video referees reviewed the play and VAR official Juan Soto told Claus to go to the monitor to look at the foul himself.According to VAR rules, The VAR can check the footage in normal speed and/or in slow motion, but, in general, slow motion replays should only be used for facts, e.g. position of offense/player, point of contact for physical offenses and handball, ball out of play (including goal/no goal); normal speed should be used for the intensity of an offense or to decide if it was a handball offense.The replays that Claus saw on the monitor next to the field were shown to viewers on the FIFA broadcast and the second replay of Baloguns foul is slowed down dramatically. After that replay, another slow-motion replay is frozen at the moment that Muharemovics ankle is turned sideways on the ground.The word should in the rule above is not a clear synonym for must, but it sure seems like the replays were being used to judge the intensity of Baloguns foul in violation of how the VAR rules are written.The foul does look nasty in slow-motion and freeze frames. Balogun probably deserved a yellow card a card that he could not have gotten after replay. VAR can only intervene for potential red cards.Had Claus given Balogun a yellow on the field in real time, is the striker assessed a red card after a video review? Maybe. But theres a strong likelihood that Soto and his replay assistants deem a yellow card worthy enough punishment and dont send Claus over to the monitor.In that scenario, Balogun is actually punished even more for Claus refusal to give a yellow at the time of the foul. In an incredibly physical game, Baloguns red card was the first card Claus handed out."For me, never is it a red card," USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino said after the game. "It was a normal action in football that happened by accident. There was never any intention and that is why, for me, it is never a red card."Similar incidents have also gone unpunished and unreviewed throughout the World Cup. The most notable comp came early in the World Cup, when Lionel Messi avoided a potential red card for a foul that wasnt called on Algerias Aissa Mandi that looked far more intentional than Baloguns.USMNT striker Folarin Balogun just received a red card for this play vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina.In Argentina's opening group stage match vs. Algeria, Leo Messi attempted this tackle yet received no card despite making contact on the player's calf.Did either of these calls pic.twitter.com/GOkasCScMd Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 2, 2026At the very least, the call against Balogun is a clear example of how the VAR rules should be rewritten to be clearer in what is and isnt allowed in foul reviews. Especially considering that theres no way the United States can appeal Baloguns suspension for Mondays Round of 16 match against Belgium.While teams can appeal the three-game punishments for red cards for violent conduct, theres no appeal process for a standard red card. That mean Balogun has gone from being the United States most important player to missing the teams most important match of the tournament (so far).

Now this is the Spain we all thought we were getting before the tournament. They kept the ball for fun, and spent 90 minutes in Los Angeles Stadium reminding everyone why they were labeled as co-favorites before a ball was kicked. The 3-0 scoreline flatters Austria. Mikel Oyarzabal opened it, Pedro Porro doubled it, and a late third put a bow on an afternoon that felt less like a knockout tie and more like a training exhibition with 70,000 witnesses. Here are four takeaways from Spain's march into the last 16: 1. The Sleeping Giant Finally Wakes Up Let's be honest about the group stage: Spain was dull. A 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in the opener was the kind of result that launches a thousand panicked radio segments in Madrid. Even the wins over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay felt more clinical than convincing. This was different. This was the Spain everyone feared in the pre-tournament projections 65 percent possession, 23 shots, 10 on target, and a passing rhythm that turned Austria's midfield into spectators with good seats. Luis de la Fuente's side didn't just win; they dictated every phase, every tempo shift, every restart. When a Marc Cucurella goal gets chalked off in the first half and nobody in red even flinches, you know the confidence has arrived. Champions tend to grow into tournaments. Spain just hit a growth spurt. 2. Basque In Mikel Oyarzabal's Greatness He's never played for Real Madrid. He's never played for Barcelona. Mikel Oyarzabal has spent his entire career at Real Sociedad over 400 appearances, 130-plus goals and American casuals could walk past him at a Whole Foods without a second glance. Their loss. The 29-year-old came into this tournament having scored 13 goals in his previous 13 internationals, including a run of 12 straight starts with a goal or an assist. Add a brace against Saudi Arabia and Thursday's opener against Austria, and the man who won Spain the Euro 2024 final is quietly building a Golden Boot case. All summer, the conversation has been Lamine Yamal this, Lamine Yamal that and with Nico Williams out of form and nursing a leg injury, Spain needed someone else to carry the scoring load. Turns out the guy from the picturesque town of Eibar has been carrying it for a year. 3. No Shame But Austria Didn't Help Its Efforts There's no shame in this for Austria mostly. Ralf Rangnick's side made its first World Cup knockout appearance since 1954, and its reward was a date with one of the most complete teams in the tournament. That's not a tactical failure. That's the bad luck of the draw. Still, the frustration boiled over. Cameras caught David Alaba and Florian Grillitsch shouting at each other as the game slipped awaythe kind of scene that tells you a team knows it's outgunned and about to go home. Austria managed five shots and not a single one on target, though Marcel Sabitzer's deliveries deserved better Sasa Kalajdzic's header in the 61st minute was inches from making this a very different afternoon. It never came. Bowing out to this Spain side is noble enough. Doing it while arguing with their own teammates is a less flattering visual. 4. Spain's Fullbacks Are The Cheat Code Everyone plans for Yamal. Nobody really plans for the fullbacks, and that's exactly how de la Fuente likes it. Cucurella delivered the cross for Oyarzabal's opener and thought he'd scored one himself before the referee intervened. On the other side, Pedro Porro starting ahead of Marcos Llorente arrived unmarked at the back post to head home Alex Baena's cross for his first international goal. That's the tactical wrinkle worth watching: while Austria doubled up on the wingers, Spain's width came from behind them, with Baena drifting inside to create the space. And at the other end? A fourth straight clean sheet. Spain hasn't conceded a goal at this World Cup. Great teams beat you with their stars. Terrifying ones beat you with their right back.

SportsLine MLB expert Adam Thompson's has his best home run props for Thursday, July 2

Cape Verde coach Bubista said facing Argentina will be the "game of our lives" (CHANDAN KHANNA)Cape Verde head coach Bubista said a showdown against Argentina and Lionel Messi will be the "match of our lives" but said they will not fear the defending World Cup champions in Friday's last 32 clash.The African archipelago of just over 500,000 people have progressed to the knockout stages in their first ever World Cup after drawing with Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde in the group stages."We are calm because we earned our place here on merit and there is nothing to fear or worry too much about," Bubista told his pre-match press conference."We know the importance of the match ahead. It is the match of our lives, but we are going to enjoy it and give our best."Argentina are among the favourites to retain their title and secure a fourth World Cup crown after Messi scored six times in three dominant group stage wins.However, Bubista said his side will not be intimidated by facing the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and the side ranked first in the world."There is no other thought in our minds than trying to advance past this round," he added.kca/rcw

Seal coating is one of the most effective ways to help preserve asphalt pavement and protect it from everyday wear. Whether the surface is a residential driveway, a commercial parking lot, or a private roadway, proper maintenance can make a noticeable difference in its long-term condition. While many property owners understand the value of Asphalt Seal Coating in Fort Worth, the results often...

It's become one of the enduring scenes of the U.S. team during this World Cup: jubilant U.S. players joining tens of thousands of fans in singing John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" at the end of their matches. Even coach Mauricio Pochettino, who was born in Argentina and lives in Spain, got in on the act after Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, belting out the words to Denver's anthem as he hugged his players and staff members. The John Denver estate told The Associated Press that it is "thrilled" by the songs latest revival at the World Cup, saying "Country Roads" has endured because its message transcends geography, and that its "simple, clear, and relatable" lyrics make it perfect for a sing-along. "Everyone knows what Take me home to the place I belong is about," the estate said Thursday. "Its not limited to West Virginia." Heres how a song inspired by a Maryland drive became a World Cup anthem. The Song Has Its Origins In Maryland, Not West Virginia Despite the lyrics' heartfelt embrace of West Virginia, "Country Roads" cowriter Bill Danoff has said the inspiration for the song came from a drive he and his then-wife, cowriter Taffy Nivert, took along Maryland's winding Clopper Road to attend a family reunion in Gaithersburg, some 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of the West Virginia border. "I just started thinking, country roads, I started thinking of myself growing up in western New England and going on all these small roads," Danoff told Washington's WRC-TV in 2020. "It didnt have anything to do with Maryland or anyplace." At the time, Danoff hadn't spent considerable time in West Virginia. He was familiar, though, with Appalachian music broadcast from Wheeling, West Virginia's famous WWVA radio station, which he listened to while growing up in Springfield, Massachusetts. Danoff said he was also inspired by the West Virginia-born actor Chris Sarandon, as well as the West Virginian members of a commune who would frequently attend his gigs. Danoff said he and Nivert were planning to try to sell the song to Johnny Cash, but when they played an unfinished version one night in their apartment for their friend John Denver, the singer-songwriter convinced them to let him record it instead. The song, released in 1971, turned into Denver's biggest hit and has been a mainstay for decades. "I dont know all of the ways that song must have touched people, but Im grateful that I have somehow been able to say something that has meaning for others," Denver wrote years later. Denver died in a plane crash in 1997. Country Roads Finds A New Stage At The World Cup According to The Athletic, FIFA officials added "Country Roads" to its postgame playlist options in hopes of creating a shared moment between the U.S. team and its supporters. It made its debut at the end of the U.S.'s second match as the players celebrated their 2-0 win over Australia in Seattle. The song was an immediate hit both inside the stadium and on social media, as fans embraced the scenes of U.S. players waving to fans as they sang the lyrics. "You could feel the connection with the fans," midfielder Weston McKennie told reporters after the match. John Denver's song didn't get quite the same reception on June 25 at Los Angeles Stadium, as it came after a deflating, though insignificant, last-minute U.S. loss to Turkey. But it came back in force Wednesday evening in Santa Clara, California, as the U.S. defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina to advance to the round of 16. Perhaps none were more enthusiastic than midfielders McKennie and Sebastian Berhalter, who swung their arms wildly as they wandered around the field while singing to the fans. During matches not involving the U.S. team, the song has frequently been played during hydration breaks and has also been met with roaring approval from fans who, moments previously, had been booing at the start of each hydration break. Country Roads Has Long Been A Sports Staple Its hardly the first time that "Country Roads" has been used by sports fans. It has long been a mainstay at West Virginia University football games, where Mountaineer fans serenade the team after its home victories. It's even found a home in Europe, where fans have been singing it during the NFL's annual visit to Germany since the first game in Munich in 2022. Fans there were used to singing the song during Oktoberfest celebrations. And, in the English Premier League, Manchester United supporters years ago tweaked the words to sing about their own "home" Old Trafford stadium. Englands Players Have Their Own Sing-Along While "Country Roads" is the U.S.'s unofficial anthem, the England national team during this tournament has similarly adopted Oasis' "Wonderwall." Standing in a line, arms around each others shoulders, the English players sang the 1995 hit after their 4-2 opening victory against Croatia, something that captain Harry Kane said was "one of my favorite ever moments in an England shirt." The team has been repeating the post-match tradition after each match since. Reporting by The Associated Press.

SportsLine's Jon Eimer reveals his Switzerland vs. Algeria best bets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 match as the knockout round continues on Thursday

Losing is an unfamiliar feeling for Jon Jones, but he has no doubt Ilia Topuria will bounce back.Topuria (17-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) was upset by Justin Gaethje (28-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC) in a lightweight title loss at UFC Freedom 250 in June. Topuria suffered significant damage to both eyes and was battered in a Round 4 doctor's stoppage TKO loss.While the likes of Paddy Pimblett think Topuria will never be the same after taking such damage, Jones disagrees."Ilia's going to be in a good position," Jones told Red Corner MMA. "He has faith, he has a strong team, and that's a lot of what it takes. He has a work ethic. I think he's honest with himself. Ilia and I, we share the same agent, and we were talking about him earlier today. What I heard is that he is humble, that he is honest, he realizes that he just didn't perform well. "I think that's the No. 1 step of getting back into the ring in a healthy way. It's the guys that make excuses, that's when it's hard to come back and win that rematch. Guys who just say, 'You know what, I could have did better. I could have did more.' Honesty with yourself is the key to MMA. Knowing exactly who you are, what you've done, what you haven't done. You can't lie once you get in that cage. What's real will come to the light."Jones has one blemish on his professional MMA career, a disqualification against Matt Hamill in a fight he was dominating. He found himself in plenty of legal trouble throughout his career, but somehow his performances never wavered."It's a really hard thing to do," Jones said of staying undefeated. "When you become a UFC champion, you become more famous right away. You get invited to dinners, there's the girls, there's the money, there's all these new friends. There's just so much that gets thrown at you, and if you're not grounded enough, if you don't have a strong enough circle and team, it's just easy to get distracted. I have fallen victim to all things that a young athlete can; the partying, the getting in trouble, all of it."But in my situation, I had a team that always held me to a high standard, and they never let me get discouraged by my downfalls. They always just encouraged me to just keep moving forward. One of my head coaches, Greg Jackson, would always tell me, 'Jon, potential is the worst thing to waste. When you know you have a talent and you can do something, you owe it to the sport and to greatness to give it your all.' I always say, making it to the UFC is fairly easy. Staying in the UFC is very hard. Staying UFC champion is almost impossible. So I'm really honored and blessed for being able to do what I did in the sport."This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Why Jones is confident Topuria will be in 'good position' after first UFC loss

Being a favourite outlet for high-end car parts, we, at Autoglo Australia, know how much Ford vehicle owners care for their cars. Our large inventory of original Ford auto body parts is meant to upgrade your vehicle’s performance, security, and aesthetics. Be it in prominent cities such as Perth, Sydney, or Melbourne, our outlet is your go-to shop for Ford car parts, like Ford Mustang LED headlights and Ford tail lights. Lighten Up Your Road with Our Ford Headlights Visibility is essential for the safety and appearance of your vehicle. Our fantastic range of Ford car parts, like LED headlights, guarantees that your vehicle appears fantastic and operates perfectly each time. Here are some reasons why our Ford Mustang LED headlights stand out: ● Flawless Fit and Finish: Our authentic Ford LED headlights are designed to integrate flawlessly with your car’s original systems. Whether you require headlights for a new car or you wish to replace the earlier ones, our products are an exact match for your car’s specifications. ● Durability and Life: Our Ford parts are designed to last for years and are quality-checked to ensure various driving conditions. This guarantees your headlights to remain effective and reliable in the long run. ● Advanced Technology: Ford has been pioneering automotive lighting technology, from adaptive LED headlights to innovative designs that offer quality illumination, improving safety and style. Combine Safety and Style with Ford Tail Lights Ford tail lights are among the most important accessories of your vehicle, which shields your vehicle as well as makes you more visible on the road. We have a wide range of Ford LED tail lights that cater to every requirement, blending safety, functionality, and style. Why Ford Tail Lights? ● Enhanced Visibility: Our Ford tail light assembly ensures that your car is visible to others, even in dimly lit areas. Our tail lights offer accurate and consistent signalling, be it on crowded city roads or highways. ● Strong Making: Ford rear lights are known for their durability and longevity. The finest Ford LED tail lights in our store are made to sustain daily use, irrespective of climatic conditions. ● Perfectly Engineered: All Ford tail lights in our stock are thoughtfully engineered to fit your car so that it performs well and appears excellent. ● Strikingly Stylish: Ford is renowned for its luxury and beauty. Our Ford LED tail lights are created in a way to match your vehicle’s fashionable curves and lines so that your car appears as sophisticated as earlier. Reasons to Choose Our Store Budget-Friendly Pricing: We believe that not every quality product or service should be costly. So, we offer all our Ford auto body parts at affordable rates without compromising on quality. Customer Support: Our trained experts are always there to assist you at every step. If you are finding it hard to select the right part for your Ford car, they will make sure you receive the perfect one after hearing your needs. Guarantee and Warranty: When you purchase genuine car LED light kits from us, you can sit back and be assured that they all carry a manufacturer’s warranty. Large Inventory: We have authentic parts of all Ford models. Whether you have an old model or the newest one, we have parts for all of them, making us the go-to supplier. Order Your Ford Parts Today! Give your Ford the best car LED light kits since it is worthy. Explore our wide range of genuine Ford car parts, such as Ford Mustang LED headlights and Ford tail light assembly. With a comprehensive selection, varied shipping options, and cost-effective rates, our store is the perfect destination to buy your Ford parts. Trust us to keep your vehicle looking stylish and operational forever! Place an order for the best Ford headlights and tail lights today!