Sports News Bulletin July 12: England Into World Cup Semis, India Swept, Noskova Wins Wimbledon

The FIFA World Cup semi-final lineup is now complete after England and Argentina survived extra-time scares to book a heavyweight last-four clash, while tragedy struck South African football with the death of midfielder Jayden Adams. Cricket saw England complete a dominant white-ball sweep over India, Wimbledon crowned a new women's champion, and India's women tightened their grip at Lord's.

1. England survive Norway scare to reach World Cup semi-finals

England booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after Jude Bellingham scored twice in a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway. Andreas Schjelderup had stunned England by opening the scoring before Bellingham equalised just before half-time and capitalised on a goalkeeping error in extra time to send Thomas Tuchel's side into the last four. England will now face defending champions Argentina as they continue their pursuit of a first World Cup final since 1966, although Tuchel admitted afterwards his side were "lucky" and must improve their performances.

2. Argentina set up World Cup blockbuster against England

Defending champions Argentina overcame Switzerland 3-1 after extra time to set up a mouth-watering World Cup semi-final against England. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring before Dan Ndoye equalised, while Switzerland's Breel Embolo was controversially sent off following a VAR review. Julian Alvarez's stunning long-range strike in the 112th minute proved decisive before Lautaro Martinez sealed victory on the counter as Lionel Scaloni's side moved within one win of another World Cup final.

3. South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams dies aged 25

South African football has been left in mourning following the death of midfielder Jayden Adams at the age of 25, just weeks after representing his country at the FIFA World Cup. Adams featured in three matches during South Africa's run to the Round of 32 and had recently helped Mamelodi Sundowns win the CAF Champions League. No official cause of death has been announced, with tributes pouring in from the South African Football Players Union, teammates and government officials, who described his passing as an immeasurable loss to the country's football community.

4. England complete 4-0 whitewash as Buttler and Brook dismantle India

England stormed to a 56-run victory over India in Southampton to complete a dominant 4-0 T20I series sweep and reclaim the No.1 ranking in men's T20 internationals. Jos Buttler ended his lengthy run without a major score by smashing 131, while Harry Brook hammered an unbeaten 95 during a record 233-run partnership for the second wicket. India never threatened the daunting chase of 258, finishing on 201 for eight to end the series winless under captain Shreyas Iyer.

5. Haaland's father blasts referee after Norway's World Cup exit

Norway's controversial World Cup exit continued to generate debate after Erling Haaland's father, Alf-Inge Haaland, publicly criticised the officiating following the quarter-final defeat to England. The former Manchester City midfielder sarcastically congratulated both Jude Bellingham and the referee after Norway were left frustrated by two key decisions, including the VAR intervention that ruled out Torbjorn Heggem's goal and confusion over whether the ball had struck an overhead camera cable before England's equaliser.

6. Noskova wins maiden Grand Slam with Wimbledon triumph

Linda Noskova claimed her first Grand Slam title after defeating fellow Czech Karolina Muchova in a dramatic three-set Wimbledon final. The 21-year-old looked set for a straightforward victory before squandering five championship points in the second set, but recovered impressively to win 6-2, 5-7, 6-3. Her victory continues Czech dominance in women's tennis, becoming the nation's third Wimbledon singles champion in the past four years.

7. India tighten grip on Women's Test as Kranti Gaud makes Lord's history

India moved into a commanding position against England in the one-off Women's Test at Lord's thanks to a historic five-wicket haul from Kranti Gaud and another composed innings from Smriti Mandhana. Gaud became the first woman to earn a place on the Lord's honours board after taking 5 for 37, while Mandhana finished the second day unbeaten on 69 as India stretched their overall lead to 269 runs with nine second-innings wickets still intact.

8. McGregor's UFC comeback ends after just 69 seconds

Conor McGregor's long-awaited return to the UFC ended in heartbreaking fashion after the Irishman suffered a serious knee injury just 69 seconds into his bout against Max Holloway at UFC 329. McGregor landed awkwardly while attempting an early flying kick and was unable to continue, handing Holloway victory by injury stoppage. It marked another cruel setback in the former two-division champion's injury-hit career, having not fought competitively since breaking his leg in 2021.