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The First Half: Kvaratskhelia Strikes — Then Madjo Replies The match began in warm evening sunshine at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg. A sell-out crowd of over 30,000 fans was inside the stadium, and millions more watched on television across Europe. PSG, the Champions League winners, took control of the match early. Their Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia — a player many consider one of the best in the world — opened the scoring in the 20th minute. He received the ball just inside the...

Spain Silence France — Yamal's Birthday The first semi-final on 14 July was between two of the world's best teams: Spain and France. Both teams had been impressive throughout the tournament. France were led by Kylian Mbappé, who had scored six goals before the match. Spain had the teenager Lamine Yamal, who had already dazzled the world with his skill and confidence. The match took place on a very special day for Yamal — his 19th birthday. In the 22nd minute, Yamal ran at the French defence...

Gakpo Scores Through Tears — Morocco Beat the Netherlands The most emotional moment of the Round of 32 came in the match between the Netherlands and Morocco in Monterrey, Mexico, on 29 June. Two days before the match, Dutch striker Cody Gakpo and his partner announced that they had lost their unborn son. The news shocked the football world. Gakpo could have gone home to be with his family. Instead, he chose to play. In the 72nd minute, he scored — pointing to the sky after the ball went in....