The World Cup semi-finals are set, and for the first time in history, the top four teams in the FIFA rankings— France, Argentina, Spain and England— have all made it to the final four. The stage is set for two epic clashes that will determine who reaches the final.
Four teams stand at the crossroads of dream and elimination as the World Cup quarter-finals begin. In Miami, Norway—buoyed by their stunning victory over Brazil—face former champions England. In Kansas, three-time champions Argentina take on Switzerland, who arrive with renewed confidence after a penalty shoot-out win over Egypt.
A recent statement by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Aminul Islam of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has reignited public debate over the possible return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death. Speaking on Sunday, he said, "There is no legal barrier preventing Sheikh Hasina from returning to Bangladesh. In fact, the prosecution wants her to come back, face the court, and challenge the verdict against her through the legal process."
The beauty of football lies not only in breathtaking goals, dazzling dribbles or dramatic comebacks—it rests equally on fair competition. When that sense of fairness comes under scrutiny, even the most remarkable victory can lose some of its shine.
Night will fall over Dallas. Lights will shine in every corner of the stadium. From the galleries, thousands of voices will chant the name of a football legend — Cristiano Ronaldo. But hidden within that euphoria will also lie an invisible question, an unsettling fear — is this truly the final farewell?
Spain and Portugal collide in the World Cup's last 16 on Tuesday (July 7) in a match that promises to be more than a contest between two national teams — it is a meeting of generations, philosophies and eras, with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal standing in the way of Spain's relentless march through the tournament.