29th World Cup – Final Four: Surprises, Grit, and Goals Galore
From 32 teams down to 4 — the 29th World Cup semifinalists are set after another wild, unpredictable round that saw drama, heartbreak, and unlikely heroes emerge.
Quarterfinal Recap
Belgium exploded into form with a 5–2 demolition of Peru, powered by a Jarno Maes brace and a commanding midfield display. Croatia edged Chile 4–3 in a frantic end-to-end battle, with Ante Pandza continuing his standout tournament with two goals and an assist.
Thailand, the tournament’s Cinderella story, stunned Switzerland with a disciplined 1–0 win, their defense and goalkeeper Koson Pravinvongvuth standing firm. Slovenia, still unbeaten, quietly took care of Scotland 1–0 behind a first-half goal from Viljem Gojkovic and another rock-solid defensive showing.
Semifinal Fixtures – June 14 (18:00)
Venue: Goodison Park Borča
A true David vs. Goliath clash. Thailand are tactically sharp and mentally tough, but Belgium have rediscovered their attacking firepower. Can the underdogs go one step further?
Venue: Bilo pa prošlo
An all-Balkan showdown between two unbeaten sides. Croatia are battle-tested and high-scoring; Slovenia, resilient and surgical. Expect fireworks—and a possible extra-time thriller.
U21 World Cup: Semifinals Are Set After Fierce Quarterfinal Battles
he U21 World Cup semifinals are here—four teams remain, just two matches away from eternal youth football glory. With no seeding, no favoritism, and no second chances, the tournament continues its chaotic, thrilling run toward the final.
Quarterfinals Recap: Clinical Edges & Rising Stars
Semifinal Showdowns – June 14 (16:00)
Venue: Favela do Cirandinha
Brazil’s unbeaten run meets a Croatian side that has clicked at the perfect time. Can Croatia's midfield unit match the tempo and technique of Branco & Co.? Or will Brazil’s clinical edge prevail?
Venue: Nelson Road Station
Two of the most tactically disciplined teams in the tournament clash. South Korea rely on defensive structure and counterpunches, while Thailand blend possession with fast, vertical play. Expect a midfield battle—and possibly extra time.
Semifinal Lineup Set: Belgium, Bolivia, Hungary & Turkey Stay Standing
The quarterfinals of the 29th U19 World Cup delivered drama, grit, and individual brilliance—none more dazzling than Belgium’s Guillaume Leclercq, who single-handedly dragged his team into the final four with a hat-trick in extra time. With no seeding in play, the semifinal pairings are as unpredictable as ever—and perfectly poised for fireworks.
Quarterfinal Recap
- Belgium 3–2 Romania (aet): A tense battle settled by one man. Leclercq struck three times, including a 120th-minute winner, sending Belgium into their first semifinal since 2013.
- Hungary 2–1 Poland: Hungary struck early and held firm, with Vidor Nagy once again proving instrumental. Poland’s tournament ends despite Bolesław Wejman’s fourth goal of the knockout rounds.
- Bolivia 3–0 South Korea: Pascual Yarzan was unplayable, netting a hat-trick in a dominant display that overwhelmed the previously solid Korean defense. Bolivia’s run continues—and with real purpose.
- Turkey 1–0 Iceland: Nihat Oncu's strike just before halftime proved decisive. Turkey absorbed pressure well and saw off Iceland in a disciplined, if narrow, win.
Semifinal Preview – June 14 (14:00)
Venue: Stadion Narodowy im. Sz. Jartysa
Hungary have grown stronger with every round, leaning on the leadership of Vidor Nagy and a balanced midfield. Turkey, meanwhile, continue to grind out wins, showing sharp tactical discipline and a clinical edge. Expect a high-stakes chess match between two confident sides.
Venue: Arena Rzeszów
Belgium are riding the Leclercq wave—but they'll face a Bolivia side brimming with momentum and attacking swagger. Both teams are looking for their first-ever U19 World Cup final appearance. Something has to give.
U17 World Cup: Final Four Locked In
After a gripping quarterfinal round, only four teams remain in contention for the U17 World Cup title. With no seeding in the draw, the tournament has served up surprise clashes and storybook runs — and the semifinals promise more of the same.
Quarterfinal Recap
- USA survive extra time: Malta pushed the Americans to the brink in a tense 2–1 affair. Graham Rachal delivered again in extra time, and Jorge Martino remains a key creative force, but the narrow escape shows this team can be rattled.
- Denmark maintain their perfect run: A solid, composed 2–1 win over Lithuania keeps the Danes unbeaten. Jan Jespersen marshaled the defense brilliantly, while Soendregaard continues to be a goal threat from midfield.
- Brazil edge past Germany: In one of the round’s most anticipated matchups, Elias Menino made the difference as Brazil absorbed pressure and hit efficiently. A well-earned 2–1 win now sends them into a tricky semifinal.
- Belgium stun Romania in penalties: In a chaotic 3–3 thriller, Belgium again triumphed from the spot — this time 6–5 — with Thomas Maes earning man of the match honors for the second knockout round in a row. Their grit and luck are becoming a dangerous combination.
Semifinal Showdowns – June 14 (12:00)
With the draw continuing to be completely unseeded, fate has handed fans two fascinating and contrasting matchups:
Venue: José Fernandes
Two undefeated teams, one final spot. Denmark’s tactical discipline meets an American side that’s explosive in attack but occasionally leaky. Expect a midfield battle between Jespersen and Rachal to shape the outcome.
Venue: Estádio do Sal
Belgium just won back-to-back shootouts after scoring six across two games. Brazil, meanwhile, are clinical and confident, with Elias Menino leading the line. Can Belgium’s underdog magic continue?
By June 14, we’ll know who steps into the final — and who goes home wondering what could have been. No seeds. No safety nets. Just two matches to glory.
