Spain edge Argentina in extra-time to clinch second World Cup as Torres strikes late

Spain have been crowned world champions for a second time after Ferran Torres struck an extra-time winner to secure a 1-0 victory over Argentina, capping a night defined by defensive resilience and high drama.

The narrow triumph, built on a watertight back line and a single decisive moment from Torres, confirms Spain’s return to the summit of world football and denies Argentina another global crown in agonising fashion.

While the final turned on a solitary goal, it was Spain’s defensive organisation – repelling waves of Argentine pressure over 90 minutes and beyond – that underpinned their success. The victory adds a new chapter to Spain’s modern golden era and will spark inevitable comparisons with their all-conquering sides of the past.

Torres delivers when it matters most

In a tense contest where chances were limited and nerves frayed, Ferran Torres provided the clinical touch that separated the two sides deep into extra time.

Having been kept largely in check by Argentina’s defenders, Torres found the crucial opening to settle a final that had threatened to drift towards a penalty shootout. His goal not only sealed the trophy but also cemented his status as one of Spain’s big-game performers on the global stage.

Argentina, who had impressed throughout the tournament, were left to rue missed opportunities and an inability to break down Spain’s disciplined defensive shape. Their forward line struggled to find space, with Spain maintaining a compact structure and showing the composure that often defines world champions.

Evenepoel the focus as Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe go ‘all in’

Away from the football field, cycling’s Tour de France has taken a decisive twist after a commanding mountain victory for Remco Evenepoel on stage 15.

Florian Lipowitz confirmed that Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe are now fully committed to backing the Belgian, whose performance in the high mountains has transformed him into a central figure in the general classification battle. The team’s public declaration of being “all in” for Evenepoel underlines their intent to shape the remainder of the race around his ambitions.

His latest triumph further fuels talk of a long-term rivalry with the sport’s established Grand Tour contenders and signals a shift in the tactical landscape of this year’s Tour.

Football in mourning as Kevin Keegan dies aged 75

English and European football is in mourning after the death of former Liverpool and England star Kevin Keegan at the age of 75.

His family announced that Keegan had died following a battle with cancer. A Ballon d’Or winner and a key figure in Liverpool’s rise to European dominance in the 1970s, Keegan later became a prominent manager and a highly recognisable figure in English football culture.

Tributes are expected from across the footballing world for a player whose energy, charisma and attacking flair made him one of the most influential figures of his generation.

Antonelli leads as Russell fumes and Ferrari rise

In motorsport, Kimi Antonelli sits atop the standings after a crucial victory at Spa, but the storyline extends far beyond the young driver’s success.

George Russell’s mounting frustration – amid inconsistency and missed opportunities – has become a talking point, while Ferrari’s increasing stability and race-day sharpness suggest a sustained title challenge is brewing. The combination sets up a fiercely contested battle for the remainder of the season, with multiple teams sensing an opportunity.

Pretorius embraces rookie nerves ahead of Commonwealth Games

Netball veteran Karla Pretorius says she still feels “the same excitement and nerves as a rookie” as the Spar Proteas prepare for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Her comments reflect both the weight of expectation on South Africa and the enduring passion of one of the sport’s most experienced defenders. The Proteas are targeting a deep run in the competition as they attempt to close the gap on the sport’s traditional powerhouses.

Chiefs youngster Mokoena ready for European test

In South African football, 19-year-old goalkeeper Naphtali Mokoena believes Kaizer Chiefs are now equipped to compete with leading European clubs after a valuable pre-season tour of Spain.

The youngster says the experience has given Amakhosi a clearer understanding of the intensity and tactical demands at the highest level, boosting confidence ahead of the new campaign.

African schools shine at continental chess event

At Stellenbosch University, 26 school teams took part in the African stage of the World Schools Team Chess Championship.

Uganda, Kenya and South Africa advanced from the regional competition, underlining the rapid growth of youth chess across the continent and strengthening African representation in the global schools arena.

Fox joins New Zealand’s greats with Royal Birkdale triumph

Golf’s 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale delivered a career-defining moment for Ryan Fox, who held off a strong field to claim the Claret Jug and secure his place among New Zealand’s sporting elite.

The late-blooming Fox produced a composed final round to resist pressure from more established major champions, adding his name to the country’s roll of honour alongside the likes of Sir Peter Snell and Lisa Carrington.

South Africa and France set early pace in Nations Championship

Rugby’s inaugural Nations Championship began with South Africa and France leading their respective tables after the opening phase.

Three key themes have emerged: the Springboks’ continued set-piece dominance, France’s tactical sophistication under pressure, and the narrowing gap between traditional powers and rising nations. As the competition progresses, the early form of South Africa and France suggests they will be difficult to dislodge at the top of the standings.