Happy Wednesday folks. Today, we’ll know who will join France in the 2018 World Cup final as England takes on Croatia (2:00pm, Fox/Telemundo). Somehow, the World Cup didn’t dominate the news cycle yesterday. We already know where we’re starting:
Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Real Madrid to sign with Juventus | ESPNFC
It finally happened. Real Madrid announced the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus, with the Italian club paying €100 million plus €12 million in fees. CR7 will also receive a salary of €55 million a year for four years. Managing Madrid and Black & White & Read All Over have done remarkable coverage on this from the very beginning, but it’s now done. Cristiano Ronaldo is a member of I Bianconeri.
France edge past Belgium to reach World Cup final | NBC Sports
A Samuel Umtiti header in the 51st minute was the difference as France booked their place in the World Cup final with a 1-0 victory over Belgium. Belgium will play in the 3rd place match on Saturday.
As the clock ticks to the Audi Field opener on Saturday, it will also be the expected debut of Wayne Rooney. Steven Streff was on the scene as D.C. United coaches and players discussed how he may be utilized on the field.
What Happened When I Tried to Play Men’s Professional Soccer | The Players’ Tribune
Former Washington Spirit goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe attempted to play on a PDL team this season. She was good enough to make the team and was slated to be their starter. Then, the league told her that it was for men only. This is her passionate story about her attempt to play soccer in a men’s professional league.
Riyad Mahrez: Manchester City sign winger from Leicester for £60m | BBC
Manchester City nabs Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City for a club record fee. It will be interesting to see where Mahrez plays in that lineup.
Barcelona star Phillippe Coutinho chooses Portuguese citizenship | OneFootball
Spain’s La Liga has a rule that teams may only have 3 non-EU players. Players who aren’t citizens of a European Union sometimes use other means to acquire an EU passport. Phillippe Coutinho, who transferred to FC Barcelona from Liverpool in January, has now acquired Portuguese citizenship through his wife. So, Barcelona will be able to sign another non-EU player once that is in the books.
That’s what we got for now. Hit the comments until it’s time to watch England-Croatia!