Messi becomes first to score in 7 straight World Cup games while extending goals record
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Lionel Messi has become the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup games while extending his all-time scoring record with his 19th goal in Argentina’s group stage finale against Jordan. Messi scored on a free kick after being taken down just outside the penalty box in the 80th minute. The 39-year-old had been one of only three players to score in six consecutive World Cup games along with France striker Just Fontaine and Brazil great Jairzinho.
Austria, Algeria trade goals in stoppage time, both advance at World Cup with stunning 3-3 draw
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Austria and Algeria played to a thrilling 3-3 draw Saturday night in what amounted to a win-win result in their World Cup group-stage finale, allowing both to advance to the knockout round while eliminating Iran from the tournament. The game was tied 2-all in the closing minutes, and Algeria looked as if it was content to run out the clock, when captain Riyad Mahrez scored his second goal with about a minute left in stoppage time. That put Austria on the verge of elimination, only for Sasa Kalajdzic to head in the equalizing goal moments later and rescue Das Team’s World Cup hopes.
Congo rallies to a 3-1 win against Uzbekistan to seal place in the World Cup knockouts
ATLANTA (AP) — Congo has advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time by rallying to a 3-1 win against Uzbekistan. The African nation was playing in soccer’s biggest tournament for only the second time in its history after a 52-year absence. Two second-half goals from Yoane Wissa and one from Fiston Mayele sealed the win and saw Congo join Cape Verde as another surprise qualifier for the round of 32. Uzbekistan led through Eldor Shomurodov’s first-half strike that looked set to end Congo’s hopes. But Sébastien Desabre’s team fought back after the break.
England beats Panama 2-0 on goals by Bellingham and Kane to win its World Cup group
EAST RUTHERFORD, N,.J. (AP) — Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scored early in the second half, lifting England over Panama 2-0 and into what appears to be a more favorable bracket for the World Cup’s knockout phrase. Bellingham put the Three Lions ahead in the 62nd minute from Bukayo Saka’s corner kick. Held in bear hug by Jorge Gutiérrez at the top of the 6-yard box, Bellingham stuck out his left leg and stabbed the ball past goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera for his third World Cup goal, his second this year. Five minutes later, Kane became England’s record World Cup scorer with his 11th goal, one more than Gary Lineker.
Hovland flips the script on Scheffler and takes the lead at Travelers Championship
CROMWELL, Conn. (AP) — Viktor Hovland waited until the final hole to take the lead over Scottie Scheffler in the Travelers Championship. The Norwegian star was one shot behind until hitting a sand wedge to 6 feet on the 18th hole for a 64. Scheffler three-putted from 25 feet on the fringe and made bogey. Hovland has plenty of support at the TPC River Highlands from a contingent of jersey-wearing fans who were at the World Cup in Boston the day before. The next closest players to Hovland are five back. But he says Sunday could produce a low score by anyone.
Ryu leads Women’s PGA Championship by a shot after three rounds; Korda is four shots back
CHASKA, Minn. (AP) — Haeran Ryu shot a 4-under 68 on Saturday to take a one-shot lead over Brooke Henderson after three rounds of the Women’s PGA Championship. Ina Yoon, who entered the day with a five-shot lead, struggled early but settled down to finish with a 3-over 75 and is two shots off the pace. Dewi Weber and A Lim Kim are three back, and Nelly Korda, seeking her third straight major title, and Alison Lee are four shots off the lead.
Ty Dillon ready for another Denny Hamlin showdown as NASCAR In-Season Challenge begins at Sonoma
SONOMA, Calif. (AP) — For the second consecutive year, Ty Dillon will be an underdog against Denny Hamlin in the first round of the NASCAR In-Season Challenge. Last year, Dillon beat Hamlin and kicked off a run to the final round of the five-race bracket-style tournament with $1 million at stake for the winner. There are 32 Cup Series drivers competing in 16 head-to-head matchups Sunday at Sonoma Raceway with the highest finisher advancing to the next round. Dillon is ranked 31st with a best finish of 12th this season, but the In-Season Challenge looms as another chance to garner headlines and unlikely fans.
Iran narrowly knocked out of tumultuous World Cup on Austria's last-second goal
Iran has been eliminated from the World Cup, narrowly failing to advance past the group stage in a politically charged tournament where the team played its matches amid tight restrictions imposed by the United States. Iran missed the round of 32 by one spot in heartbreaking fashion. It finished third in Group G with three points earned with draws against Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt. Iran appeared to have advanced via tiebreakers when Algeria scored a stunning stoppage-time goal to go ahead of Austria 3-2 Saturday night, but Austria tied it back up seconds later on the game’s final play. Their draw ensured Iran’s elimination.
White Sox chairman Reinsdorf officiates wedding of former Rookie of Year Kittle during game
CHICAGO (AP) — As the White Sox were slugging their way to a 22-1 victory over the Royals on Friday night, former player Ron Kittle was getting married in a ballpark suite with Chicago chairman Jerry Reinsdorf officiating. Kittle tied the knot with his girlfriend, Barbara, in Reinsdorf’s suite during Chicago’s 10-run third inning. The White Sox went on to score their most runs since a 22-13 victory at Boston in May 1970. Harold Baines and Greg Walker, Kittle’s teammates on the 1983 White Sox squad, and their spouses also attended the quick ceremony.
Pittsburgh is twin city after Penguins draft Markus Ruck in 2nd round after Liam in 1st
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Born eight minutes earlier than his twin brother Liam, Marcus Ruck is fine with ceding NHL draft bragging rights. All that mattered to Ruck on Saturday was being selected with the 39th pick in the second round by Pittsburgh in following his brother, who was drafted 22nd overall by the Penguins a day earlier. Liam was projected to go first, and when the Penguins chose him, Markus began looking ahead to No. 39, Pittsburgh’s next turn to pick.
