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Integrity of World Cup is questioned as Trump, FIFA defend actions surrounding Balogun suspension GENEVA (AP) With the integrity of FIFA and the World Cup under attack from European soccer leaders, FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged taking a call from President Donald Trump before U.S.
forward Folarin Balogun was cleared to play against Belgium later Monday.
Balogun was issued a red card in the U.S.
match vs.
Bosnia-Herzegovina last week, resulting in a suspension for the Belgium contest.
Trump called Infantino after the game with Bosnia to plead his case to overturn the call, and FIFA lifted the suspension on Sunday.
That prompted a day of off-field furor at the World Cup.
Mikel Merino's late goal sends Spain to quarterfinals and ends Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Mikel Merino scored in the first minute of second-half stoppage time, and Spain beat Portugal 1-0 to end the World Cup career of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Merino had just been knocked down, and a foul was called.
While a Portugal player argued, Merino played the ball back in, ran toward the goal and put a shot past goalkeeper Diogo Costa after taking a pass from Ferran Torres.
Spain advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time since winning its only World Cup title in 2010 in South Africa.
Spain will play either the United States or Belgium on Friday in Inglewood, California.
Trump says World Cup referee's red card call was 'horrible' but insists he left outcome to FIFA WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump is taking credit for getting FIFA to review a red card issued at the World Cup against the United States star forward but says he did not demand an outcome.
Trump told reporters Monday all he did was ask for a review.
The Republican president confirms he called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked for another look at the punishment against Folarin Balogun in the United States 2-0 win against Bosnia-Herzegovina last week in California.
Trump says FIFA made the final call to lift Baloguns mandatory one-game ban for a foul tackle.
The change allows Balogun to play in Mondays round of 16 match with Belgium in Seattle.
What to know after FIFA lifts suspension of US star Folarin Balogun FIFAs stunning decision to lift the suspension of a star U.S.
player has riled the host country's next World Cup opponent, Belgium.
It has also sent soccer fans -- and political leaders -- around the world into a frenzy over the influence President Donald Trump may have had over the extremely rare ruling.
Hours before kickoff, FIFA dismissed Belgiums challenge to the most-debated political intervention in a World Cup in decades.
That means Folarin Balogun is eligible to play on Monday night in Seattle.
A win would send the U.S.
to the quarterfinals.
FIFA lifted Baloguns suspension on Sunday following a call Trump made to the global soccer organization's president, Gianni Infantino.
Giannis Antetokounmpo acknowledges scare factor in switching teams for first time in his NBA career MILWAUKEE (AP) Giannis Antetokounmpo acknowledged that change is scary as he switches teams for the first time.
But ending his career with regrets seemed equally frightening to the two-time NBA MVP.
Antetokounmpo posted a video Monday in which he discussed his mixed emotions with former Bucks broadcaster Jim Paschke as the 10-time All-Star's trade from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat was finalized.
Antetokounmpo said he's scared that the grass is not always greener.
Antetokounmpo ultimately decided it was worth the risk to go somewhere that he might have a better chance of winning a second title.
Cobolli performs Ronaldo celebration as Paolini wins before Federer on Italy's big day at Wimbledon LONDON (AP) Flavio Cobolli and Jasmine Paolini both reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals on a big day for Italy at the grass-court Grand Slam.
Cobollis 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-3 victory over fifth-seeded Alex de Minaur was a statement win as he attempts to back up his run to the French Open final.
Paolini ended the run Alexandra Eala with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 victory to return to the last eight at a Grand Slam for the first time since back-to-back runs to the Roland Garros and Wimbledon finals two years ago.
Watching Paolini from the Royal Box was Kimi Antonelli, the Italian driver who leads the Formula One standings.
Defending champion Jannik Sinner plays Tuesday.
Dodgers' Eliezer Alfonzo makes MLB debut with sister, stepmother still missing in Venezuela quakes LOS ANGELES (AP) Catcher Eliezer Alfonzo has made his major league debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers with his sister and stepmother still missing after Venezuelas catastrophic earthquakes.
The 26-year-old Alfonzo batted ninth and caught Emmet Sheehan in the Dodgers home game against the San Diego Padres.
Alfonzos sister and stepmother have been missing since multiple earthquakes hit his homeland on June 24.
Several Latin American media outlets reported their bodies had been found in the wreckage of the hotel in La Guaira where they were staying, but the Dodgers announced no confirmation of the news.
Alfonzo spent nearly a decade in the minors before getting his first call-up this weekend.
Giannis, traded to Heat, bids farewell to Bucks, calling Milwaukee 'my city, my team, my family' MIAMI (AP) Giannis Antetokounmpo's time with the Milwaukee Bucks has officially ended.
On Monday, the NBA approved a trade sending him and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat for Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr.
and others.
Antetokounmpo shared a heartfelt message, saying Milwaukee will always be his city after spending 13 seasons there.
He leaves as the franchise's all-time leader in points, rebounds and assists.
The Heat, eager to return to title contention, called the trade one of the greatest in their history.
Antetokounmpo's highlight in Milwaukee was the 2021 NBA title win.
Scott Dixon and Felix Rosenqvist sign multiyear deals to begin racing for Arrow McLaren in 2027 Scott Dixon and Felix Rosenqvist will join Arrow McLaren's IndyCar team next season under multiyear agreements.
They will race alongside Pato OWard in the teams three-car lineup.
Ryan Hunter-Reay will drive the teams fourth entry in the Indianapolis 500 in May.
The team announced the changes Monday, highlighting the addition of three Indy 500 winners and a top oval racer.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown expressed excitement about the new lineup, aiming for the championship and an Indianapolis 500 win.
Dixon, a six-time champion, called the move an exciting step in his career.
Arthur Fery becomes 1st British wild card to reach Wimbledon quarterfinals in professional era LONDON (AP) Arthur Fery has become the first British wild card to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals in the professional era.
On Monday, he played on Centre Court, where he used to watch Roger Federer as a kid.
Federer was in attendance to watch Fery's thrilling five-set victory over Grigor Dimitrov.
Fery expressed disbelief and excitement, acknowledging Federer in the front row.
His next opponent is Flavio Cobolli, whom he previously defeated at the Australian Open.
Cobolli mentioned he was unwell during their last encounter but praised Fery's skills.