SEATTLE (AP) — The United States’ hopes for a deep World Cup run at home ended when Charles De Ketelaere scored twice and assisted on another goal, helping Belgium expose the Americans’ defensive liabilities in a 4-1 win Monday night that earned a quarterfinal berth. While the U.S. was boosted by the presence of star forward Folarin Balogun, whose one-game red-card suspension was controversially lifted by FIFA, American defenders were at fault in a pair of first-half goals and a gaffe by goalkeeper Matt Freese gave the Red Devils a third early in the second half. Romelu Lukaku added Belgium’s final goal in stoppage time.
SEATTLE (AP) — Folarin Balogun’s presence on the field for the United States against Belgium had a seismic impact on the world of soccer, but he ultimately played a forgettable role in the Americans’ 4-1 loss in the World Cup round of 16. The 25-year-old striker, who had three goals in this World Cup, was shown a red card during the U.S. victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, but FIFA lifted his suspension for Monday’s match after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened on Balogun’s behalf. FIFA’s decision prompted soccer leaders to question the integrity of the World Cup. Balogun did not score on Monday but did help set up the lone U.S. goal.
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 Belgium on Friday in Inglewood, California.
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 Balogun’s mandatory one-game ban for a foul tackle. The change allowed Balogun to play in Monday’s round of 16 match with Belgium in Seattle. The U.S. lost to Belgium 4-1.
LONDON (AP) — Flavio Cobolli and Jasmine Paolini both reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals on a big day for Italy at the grass-court Grand Slam. Cobolli’s 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.
DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic reiterated his hope Monday to remain with the Denver Nuggets for the rest of his career. His plan, though, is to hold off on signing his extension until next summer. The three-time NBA MVP spoke to the media after helping Serbia to a win over Bosnia-Herzegovina during a FIBA World Cup qualifying game in Belgrade, Serbia. Jokic finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. He reaffirmed his desire to remain in the Mile High City. By waiting until next summer, Jokic can sign a five-year supermax contract that would be worth around $350 million.
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.
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Max Kepler homered and drove in four runs to lead the Arizona Diamondbacks to an 8-0 win over the slumping San Diego Padres. It was Kepler’s first home run since returning from an 80-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. Kepler was activated by the Diamondbacks on June 25. The Padres are in freefall, losing nine of their past 10 games and 28 of their last 43. The teams came into the game with identical 44-45 records. Arizona moved into second place in the NL West, while the Padres dropped to third place.
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.
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo heard the cheers while walking off the pitch after his final World Cup match for Portugal. The stoic look on his face and his brief wave acknowledging the fans showed this wasn’t the desired outcome. The sixth and final World Cup for the 41-year-old superstar ended with a 1-0 loss to border rival Spain in a Round of 16 game on Monday. Ronaldo was denied a goal in the first half when record-setting goalkeeper Unai Simón made impressive leaping stop. A day before the match, Ronaldo reiterated that this World Cup would be his last.
Finals
INTERLEAGUE
Final Kansas City 15 Philadelphia 1
Final Washington 12 Houston 11
Final San Francisco 10 Toronto 1
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Final N.Y. Yankees 5 Tampa Bay 1
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Final Milwaukee 4 St. Louis 3
Final N.Y. Mets 7 Atlanta 6
Final Arizona 8 San Diego 0
Final L.A. Dodgers 8 Colorado 7