Semi-finalist Fans and Journalists Predict World Cup Winner

Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just weeks after being removed from the list of officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) and FIFA have expressed their deep sadness over his passing. Dieperink had a notable career, officiating many professional matches both domestically and internationally. He was arrested in Britain earlier this year following an investigation, but the case was later closed without any charges. The KNVB and FIFA did not provide further details about the cause of his death, but they offered condolences to his family and friends. Dieperink's removal from the World Cup officials list came shortly before his death, though the specific reasons for his removal have not been publicly disclosed. His career included refereeing high-profile matches in the Dutch Eredivisie and European competitions. The football community has mourned his loss, with many colleagues and fans paying tribute online.

Greg Hawthorne, a former NFL running back who won Super Bowl XIV as a rookie with the Pittsburgh Steelers and later helped the New England Patriots reach the Super Bowl, has died at age 69. No cause of death was immediately reported. Hawthorne was a third-round draft pick by the Steelers in 1979 out of Texas Christian University. He played in 14 games as a rookie, contributing mostly on special teams and as a backup. The Steelers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 31-19 in Super Bowl XIV. After two seasons in Pittsburgh, Hawthorne was traded to the New England Patriots in 1981. He played four seasons with the Patriots, primarily as a running back and kick returner. His most memorable moment came during the 1985 AFC Championship Game against the Miami Dolphins. With the Patriots leading 31-14 in the fourth quarter, Hawthorne recovered a fumble by Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino, sealing the victory and sending New England to Super Bowl XX. The Patriots lost to the Chicago Bears in that Super Bowl. Hawthorne retired after the 1985 season. He finished his career with 1,458 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns, and 757 receiving yards. He is survived by family members. His contributions to both the Steelers and Patriots are remembered by fans and teammates.

England's coaching staff will wait until the last possible moment before deciding if midfielder Declan Rice can play in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against Argentina. Rice, a key player for England, has been struggling with a minor injury and his availability remains uncertain. The team's medical staff have been monitoring his condition closely, and a final decision will be made just before the match. Rice's presence is vital for England's midfield balance, providing defensive cover and linking play. If he is unable to start, manager Gareth Southgate will have to adjust his lineup, possibly bringing in an alternative like Jordan Henderson or Kalvin Phillips. The semi-final is a high-stakes clash, with both teams aiming for a spot in the final. England has not reached the World Cup final since 1966, while Argentina is seeking its first title since 1986. The match promises to be intense, and the late call on Rice adds an extra layer of uncertainty for England fans. Whatever the decision, the team is determined to give their best performance.

Before each match at the World Cup, a giant flag representing the competing nations is unfurled across the field. This impressive display is not a simple task. It requires careful coordination by teams of stagehands who work together to bring the flag onto the pitch and spread it out smoothly. The process begins days in advance, with preparation and planning to ensure that everything runs perfectly on match day. The flag is often huge, covering a large portion of the field, and many hands are needed to hold it up and move it into position. The stagehands communicate constantly to time their movements, so the flag unfurls without wrinkles or tangles. This behind-the-scenes effort is essential to create a memorable moment for fans in the stadium and watching at home. The coordination highlights the teamwork and precision required to pull off such a large-scale event. While the players get the glory, these unseen workers play a crucial role in setting the stage for the tournament's opening ceremonies and pre-match rituals.

Hong Kong is strengthening its sports sector with a new initiative focused on governance and integrity. The Sports Governance and Integrity Alliance (SGIA) has been launched as a partnership with the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong. The program aims to improve how sports organizations are run, from local community sports to international events. It will provide training and guidelines to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in sports management. The initiative comes as Hong Kong seeks to boost its sports industry, including grassroots participation and elite competition. Effective governance is seen as key to handling day-to-day operations, implementing policies, and organizing major events. The SGIA will offer courses and resources to sports officials, coaches, and administrators. This move is part of a broader effort to raise standards in sports and build trust with the public. By promoting integrity, the alliance hopes to prevent issues like corruption and mismanagement in sports. The program is open to various sports bodies and aims to create a lasting impact on Hong Kong's sports culture.

Former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad has advised patience with head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has faced criticism after recent losses. Prasad pointed out that key players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah were absent during those defeats, making it unfair to judge Gambhir's early tenure. He emphasized that Gambhir should be assessed only when the team is at full strength in future matches. Prasad also took issue with the decision to drop batsman Sanju Samson after a few low scores. 'Why is the axe always on Sanju?' Prasad asked, suggesting that the management should show more consistency and faith in talented players. He expressed concern over the slow introduction of young pacer Vaibhav Suryavanshi, hinting that the team might be mishandling promising talent. Prasad's comments come as Gambhir's leadership faces scrutiny after the team's performance. The former selector's remarks highlight the need for patience and a balanced approach in team selection and coaching evaluation.