French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday (June 26) that US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities were "genuinely effective" but the "worst-case scenario" would be if Tehran now exits the global non-proliferation treaty.&nbsp;"The worst would be that the consequence of this is Iran's exit from the Non-Proliferation Treaty and therefore, ultimately, a drift and a collective weakening," Macron told journalists after an EU summit in Brussels.&nbsp;Macron said that in a bid to maintain the treaty -- that is meant to limit the spread of nuclear weapons -- he would speak in the coming days to the five members of the United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;Those talks already kicked off with a call with President Donald Trump on Thursday in which Macron said he informed his US counterparts of contacts Paris had with Tehran in "the last few days and hours".&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-damage-is-excessive-and-serious-iran-foreign-minister-abbas-araghchi-days-after-strikes-on-nuclear-facilities-1750978779062">'Damage is excessive and serious': Iran Foreign Minister Araghchi</a>&nbsp;"Our hope is that there will be a real convergence of views," Macron said, adding that the aim was "that there should be no resumption" of nuclear buildup by Iran.&nbsp;&nbsp;Iran ratified the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) in 1970, committing it to declare its nuclear material to the International Atomic Energy Agency.&nbsp;&nbsp;But it has recently begun preparing the grounds for a possible withdrawal from the treaty, accusing the agency of acting as a "partner" in Israel's "war of aggression".&nbsp;American B-2 bombers hit two Iranian nuclear sites with massive GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs last weekend, while a guided missile submarine struck a third site with Tomahawk cruise missiles.Trump himself has called the strikes a "spectacular military success" and repeatedly said they "obliterated" the nuclear sites.&nbsp;But US media revealed a preliminary American intelligence assessment earlier this week that said the strikes only set back Iran's nuclear program by months -- coverage sharply criticised by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and others.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday (June 26) that US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities were "genuinely effective" but the "worst-case scenario" would be if Tehran now exits the global non-proliferation treaty.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday (June 26) that US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities were "genuinely effective" but the "worst-case scenario" would be if Tehran now exits the global non-proliferation treaty. "The worst would be that the consequence of this is Iran's exit from the Non-Proliferation Treaty and therefore, ultimately, a drift and a collective weakening," Macron told journalists after an EU summit in Brussels. Macron said that in a bid to maintain the treaty -- that is meant to limit the spread of nuclear weapons -- he would speak in the coming days to the five members of the United Nations Security Council. Those talks already kicked off with a call with President Donald Trump on Thursday in which Macron said he informed his US counterparts of contacts Paris had with Tehran in "the last few days and hours". Also read: 'Damage is excessive and serious': Iran Foreign Minister Araghchi "Our hope is that there will be a real convergence of views," Macron said, adding that the aim was "that there should be no resumption" of nuclear buildup by Iran. Iran ratified the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) in 1970, committing it to declare its nuclear material to the International Atomic Energy Agency. But it has recently begun preparing the grounds for a possible withdrawal from the treaty, accusing the agency of acting as a "partner" in Israel's "war of aggression". American B-2 bombers hit two Iranian nuclear sites with massive GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs last weekend, while a guided missile submarine struck a third site with Tomahawk cruise missiles. Trump himself has called the strikes a "spectacular military success" and repeatedly said they "obliterated" the nuclear sites. But US media revealed a preliminary American intelligence assessment earlier this week that said the strikes only set back Iran's nuclear program by months -- coverage sharply criticised by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and others.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday (June 26) that US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities were "genuinely effective" but the "worst-case scenario" would be if Tehran now exits the global non-proliferation treaty.

US strikes 'genuinely effective' says Macron; warns of 'worst-case scenario' if Iran exits global non-proliferation treaty

Cristiano Ronaldo inked a two-year extension with Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr, the club announced Thursday, following months of speculation over which team he would sign for next season. "Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027," the club wrote in a post on X. &nbsp; Minutes before the official confirmation, the team posted a teaser video, with the 40-year-old Ronaldo walking along a beachfront and saying: "Al Nassr forever".Ronaldo later posted a message on his Instagram, confirming the extension.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-will-win-wimbledon-2025-alcaraz-sinner-djokovic-in-title-hunt-1750923389681">Wimbledon 2025: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic in title hunt – Who will rule the grass court?</a>"A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together," read the post.The Portuguese superstar arrived in 2023 in the kingdom to play with the club, heralding a rush of players in the latter stages of their careers to the oil-rich country.Last month, Ronaldo posted "This chapter is over" hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up with Al Nassr finishing third and trophyless once again."Ronaldo's presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia," a source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football, told AFP last month.The oil-funded PIF, the sovereign wealth fund behind a number of big-ticket Saudi investments, controls a group of Pro League clubs including Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ahli.Ronaldo's announcement in May came just months after Brazilian star Neymar ended his injury-plagued 18-month stay in January, after playing just seven times for Al Hilal -- on a reported salary of around $104 million a year.Although Ronaldo was the Pro League's top scorer with 25 goals, he has been unable to win a Saudi or continental trophy with Al Nassr, who lost in the Asian Champions League semi-finals last month.Last year, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said he could end his career with Al Nassr, the Riyadh team favoured by a number of Saudi royals.Saudi Arabia has shaken up football by spending heavily on stars from Europe, starting with Ronaldo's move in late 2022, and the desert nation will host the World Cup in 2034.For the past two years, Saudi football fans could watch the likes of Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, with six Ballons d'Or between them, on any given weekend during the football season in the kingdom.However, the oil-fuelled Saudi football project has drawn comparisons with the Chinese Super League, which imported players on exorbitant salaries until team owners went bust as the Chinese economy fizzled.But with Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 World Cup, and desperate to re-model itself as a tourism and business magnet before global oil demand falls for good, there is probably more to come from the Pro League.Ronaldo appeared to trade an end-of-career payday for football obscurity when he first moved to Riyadh's Al Nassr two years ago in a deal said to be worth $250 million at the time.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

The Portuguese superstar arrived in 2023 in the kingdom to play with the club, heralding a rush of players in the latter stages of their careers to the oil-rich country.

Cristiano Ronaldo inked a two-year extension with Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr, the club announced Thursday, following months of speculation over which team he would sign for next season. "Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027," the club wrote in a post on X. Minutes before the official confirmation, the team posted a teaser video, with the 40-year-old Ronaldo walking along a beachfront and saying: "Al Nassr forever". Ronaldo later posted a message on his Instagram, confirming the extension. Also Read - Wimbledon 2025: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic in title hunt – Who will rule the grass court? "A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together," read the post. The Portuguese superstar arrived in 2023 in the kingdom to play with the club, heralding a rush of players in the latter stages of their careers to the oil-rich country. Last month, Ronaldo posted "This chapter is over" hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up with Al Nassr finishing third and trophyless once again. "Ronaldo's presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia," a source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football, told AFP last month. The oil-funded PIF, the sovereign wealth fund behind a number of big-ticket Saudi investments, controls a group of Pro League clubs including Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ahli. Ronaldo's announcement in May came just months after Brazilian star Neymar ended his injury-plagued 18-month stay in January, after playing just seven times for Al Hilal -- on a reported salary of around $104 million a year. Although Ronaldo was the Pro League's top scorer with 25 goals, he has been unable to win a Saudi or continental trophy with Al Nassr, who lost in the Asian Champions League semi-finals last month. Last year, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said he could end his career with Al Nassr, the Riyadh team favoured by a number of Saudi royals. Saudi Arabia has shaken up football by spending heavily on stars from Europe, starting with Ronaldo's move in late 2022, and the desert nation will host the World Cup in 2034. For the past two years, Saudi football fans could watch the likes of Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, with six Ballons d'Or between them, on any given weekend during the football season in the kingdom. However, the oil-fuelled Saudi football project has drawn comparisons with the Chinese Super League, which imported players on exorbitant salaries until team owners went bust as the Chinese economy fizzled. But with Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 World Cup, and desperate to re-model itself as a tourism and business magnet before global oil demand falls for good, there is probably more to come from the Pro League. Ronaldo appeared to trade an end-of-career payday for football obscurity when he first moved to Riyadh's Al Nassr two years ago in a deal said to be worth $250 million at the time. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

The Portuguese superstar arrived in 2023 in the kingdom to play with the club, heralding a rush of players in the latter stages of their careers to the oil-rich country.

Cristiano Ronaldo signs contract extension with Al Nassr, to stay with Saudi club for two more seasons

China hosted defence ministers from Iran and Russia for a meeting in its eastern seaside city of Qingdao on Thursday against the backdrop of war in the Middle East and a summit of NATO countries in Europe that agreed to boost military spending.Beijing has long sought to present the 10-member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as a counterweight to Western-led power blocs and has pushed to strengthen collaboration between its member countries in politics, security, trade and science.The Qingdao meeting of the organisation's top defence officials comes as a fledgling ceasefire between Israel and Iran holds after 12 days of fighting between the arch-foes.It is also being held the day after a summit of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) leaders in The Hague, where members agreed to ramp up their defence spending to satisfy US President Donald Trump.Beijing's ties with Moscow are also in the spotlight.China has portrayed itself as a neutral party in Russia's war with Ukraine, although Western governments say its close ties have given Moscow crucial economic and diplomatic support.Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov painted a bleak picture of a world seeing "worsening geopolitical tensions" when he addressed his counterparts at the meeting."The current military and political situation in the world remains difficult and shows signs of further deterioration," he said, according to a statement by the Russian defence ministry.His Chinese counterpart Dong Jun also framed Thursday's meeting in Qingdao, home to a major Chinese naval base, as a counterweight to a world in "chaos and instability"."As momentous changes of the century accelerate, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise," Dong said as he welcomed defence chiefs from Russia, Iran, Pakistan, Belarus and elsewhere on Wednesday, according to state news agency Xinhua."Hegemonic, domineering and bullying acts severely undermine the international order," he warned.He urged his counterparts to "take more robust actions to jointly safeguard the environment for peaceful development".<h2>Backing for Iran?</h2>Recent fighting between Israel, Iran and the United States will likely also be discussed in Qingdao.Beijing refrained from offering anything more than diplomatic support to its close partner Tehran throughout that conflict, reflecting its limited leverage in the region and reluctance to worsen relations with the United States."Public backing for Iran will come in the form of words, rather than deeds," James Char, an expert on the Chinese army at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, told AFP."Other than condemning the US strikes on Iran, Beijing can be expected to continue treading cautiously in the Middle East's security issues and would not want to be dragged into the region's security challenges," he said.Iran's defence minister will likely "discuss with China the supply of weapons but I doubt China would agree", said Andrea Ghiselli, an expert in China foreign policy and a lecturer at Exeter University."It would be seen as provocative by both Israel... and, even more important for China, the US, with which Beijing is trying to stabilise relations," Ghiselli said.India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, also in attendance in Qingdao, said SCO members should "collectively aspire to fulfil the aspirations and expectations of our people as well as tackle today's challenges"."The world we live in is undergoing a drastic transformation. Globalisation, which once brought us closer together, has been losing momentum," he said in comments his office posted on social media platform X.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Recent fighting between Israel, Iran and the United States will likely also be discussed in Qingdao.

China hosted defence ministers from Iran and Russia for a meeting in its eastern seaside city of Qingdao on Thursday against the backdrop of war in the Middle East and a summit of NATO countries in Europe that agreed to boost military spending. Beijing has long sought to present the 10-member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as a counterweight to Western-led power blocs and has pushed to strengthen collaboration between its member countries in politics, security, trade and science. The Qingdao meeting of the organisation's top defence officials comes as a fledgling ceasefire between Israel and Iran holds after 12 days of fighting between the arch-foes. It is also being held the day after a summit of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) leaders in The Hague, where members agreed to ramp up their defence spending to satisfy US President Donald Trump. Beijing's ties with Moscow are also in the spotlight. China has portrayed itself as a neutral party in Russia's war with Ukraine, although Western governments say its close ties have given Moscow crucial economic and diplomatic support. Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov painted a bleak picture of a world seeing "worsening geopolitical tensions" when he addressed his counterparts at the meeting. "The current military and political situation in the world remains difficult and shows signs of further deterioration," he said, according to a statement by the Russian defence ministry. His Chinese counterpart Dong Jun also framed Thursday's meeting in Qingdao, home to a major Chinese naval base, as a counterweight to a world in "chaos and instability". "As momentous changes of the century accelerate, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise," Dong said as he welcomed defence chiefs from Russia, Iran, Pakistan, Belarus and elsewhere on Wednesday, according to state news agency Xinhua. "Hegemonic, domineering and bullying acts severely undermine the international order," he warned. He urged his counterparts to "take more robust actions to jointly safeguard the environment for peaceful development". Backing for Iran? Recent fighting between Israel, Iran and the United States will likely also be discussed in Qingdao. Beijing refrained from offering anything more than diplomatic support to its close partner Tehran throughout that conflict, reflecting its limited leverage in the region and reluctance to worsen relations with the United States. "Public backing for Iran will come in the form of words, rather than deeds," James Char, an expert on the Chinese army at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, told AFP. "Other than condemning the US strikes on Iran, Beijing can be expected to continue treading cautiously in the Middle East's security issues and would not want to be dragged into the region's security challenges," he said. Iran's defence minister will likely "discuss with China the supply of weapons but I doubt China would agree", said Andrea Ghiselli, an expert in China foreign policy and a lecturer at Exeter University. "It would be seen as provocative by both Israel... and, even more important for China, the US, with which Beijing is trying to stabilise relations," Ghiselli said. India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, also in attendance in Qingdao, said SCO members should "collectively aspire to fulfil the aspirations and expectations of our people as well as tackle today's challenges". "The world we live in is undergoing a drastic transformation. Globalisation, which once brought us closer together, has been losing momentum," he said in comments his office posted on social media platform X. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Recent fighting between Israel, Iran and the United States will likely also be discussed in Qingdao.

China hosts Iranian, Russian defence ministers against backdrop of 'momentous change'

New Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso warned his team's stars, including Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe, on Wednesday that they must all pitch in defensively. Last season, under Carlo Ancelotti, Los Blancos failed to win a major trophy, and the Italian was at times exasperated with his forward line's unwillingness to work hard enough for the sake of the team as a whole.&nbsp;"What I am certain of is that we need and want everyone to defend - the 11 players on the pitch have to be involved defensively," Alonso told a news conference ahead of Madrid's Club World Cup clash against RB Salzburg. "They have to get close together, they have to know how we want to press, and without that, things will be very complicated.&nbsp;"Vini, Jude (Bellingham), Fede (Valverde), Kylian, those up front, the defence has to push forward too."&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/inter-milan-borussia-dortmund-advance-to-club-world-cup-last-16-argentina-river-plate-eliminated-1750910966146">Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund advance to Club World Cup’s last 16, Argentina’s River Plate eliminated</a>&nbsp;Ancelotti said last season that he was not concerned if Mbappe pressed or not and wanted the striker to focus on goalscoring. The 26-year-old netted 43 goals across all competitions in his first season at the Santiago Bernabeu after his move from Paris Saint-Germain.&nbsp;Real Madrid face Austrian side Salzburg in Philadelphia on Thursday, looking to seal top spot in their final Group H match, but will be without Mbappe. The French superstar was not named as part of the squad to take on Salzburg as he continues his recovery from a stomach bug. Mbappe missed the team's first two matches but returned to training on Wednesday.&nbsp;"I was happy to see him on the (training) pitch, it was the first day he's got his boots back on and has been running, he's doing well, but not enough to play tomorrow with the level that we need," said Alonso. "He said it himself when we spoke after training, he prefers to be ready for the last 16, he's in the recovery process, he wasn't perfect for tomorrow."&nbsp;In Madrid's second match, a 3-1 win over Mexican side Pachuca, Brazilian forward Rodrygo was left on the bench, amid speculation he could depart the club this summer.&nbsp;However, Alonso said the Brazilian was still a valuable member of the team.&nbsp;"He's doing well, he's enthusiastic, it was a technical decision (to bench him) the other day, but Rodrygo is still an important player, we will need him in this Club World Cup," said Alonso. "He's a special player and he will have a big role at this tournament."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Last season, under Carlo Ancelotti, Los Blancos failed to win a major trophy, and the Italian was at times exasperated with his forward line's unwillingness to work hard enough for the sake of the team as a whole.

New Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso warned his team's stars, including Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe, on Wednesday that they must all pitch in defensively. Last season, under Carlo Ancelotti, Los Blancos failed to win a major trophy, and the Italian was at times exasperated with his forward line's unwillingness to work hard enough for the sake of the team as a whole. "What I am certain of is that we need and want everyone to defend - the 11 players on the pitch have to be involved defensively," Alonso told a news conference ahead of Madrid's Club World Cup clash against RB Salzburg. "They have to get close together, they have to know how we want to press, and without that, things will be very complicated. "Vini, Jude (Bellingham), Fede (Valverde), Kylian, those up front, the defence has to push forward too." Also read | Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund advance to Club World Cup’s last 16, Argentina’s River Plate eliminated Ancelotti said last season that he was not concerned if Mbappe pressed or not and wanted the striker to focus on goalscoring. The 26-year-old netted 43 goals across all competitions in his first season at the Santiago Bernabeu after his move from Paris Saint-Germain. Real Madrid face Austrian side Salzburg in Philadelphia on Thursday, looking to seal top spot in their final Group H match, but will be without Mbappe. The French superstar was not named as part of the squad to take on Salzburg as he continues his recovery from a stomach bug. Mbappe missed the team's first two matches but returned to training on Wednesday. "I was happy to see him on the (training) pitch, it was the first day he's got his boots back on and has been running, he's doing well, but not enough to play tomorrow with the level that we need," said Alonso. "He said it himself when we spoke after training, he prefers to be ready for the last 16, he's in the recovery process, he wasn't perfect for tomorrow." In Madrid's second match, a 3-1 win over Mexican side Pachuca, Brazilian forward Rodrygo was left on the bench, amid speculation he could depart the club this summer. However, Alonso said the Brazilian was still a valuable member of the team. "He's doing well, he's enthusiastic, it was a technical decision (to bench him) the other day, but Rodrygo is still an important player, we will need him in this Club World Cup," said Alonso. "He's a special player and he will have a big role at this tournament." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Last season, under Carlo Ancelotti, Los Blancos failed to win a major trophy, and the Italian was at times exasperated with his forward line's unwillingness to work hard enough for the sake of the team as a whole.

Madrid’s new coach Alonso urges Vinicius, Mbappe to be involved defensively for team sake

Inter Milan kept their cool to beat nine-man River Plate 2-0 and reach the Club World Cup last 16 on Wednesday, while Mexican side Monterrey followed them through from Group E. Borussia Dortmund defeated Ulsan HD 1-0 to claim top spot in Group F and the Germans will face Sergio Ramos' Monterrey, who thrashed Urawa Red Diamonds 4-0. Meanwhile, Argentine powerhouses River Plate were eliminated after their defeat by Inter, who will take on more South American opposition on Monday in Charlotte, in the shape of Fluminense. The Brazilian side could only draw 0-0 against South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns, but it was enough to claim second place behind Dortmund.&nbsp;Champions League runners-up Inter faced a battle in Seattle against an aggressive River Plate side who had Lucas Martinez and Gonzalo Montiel sent off in front of 45,000 fans at Lumen Field.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-draft-us-college-teenager-cooper-flagg-goes-to-dallas-mavericks-as-top-pick-1750910464180">NBA Draft: US teenager Cooper Flagg goes to Dallas Mavericks as top pick</a>&nbsp;Francesco Esposito scored his first Inter goal to put the Italians ahead, and Alessandro Bastoni made the game safe late on for Christian Chivu's side.&nbsp;"In the first half, we were surprised by their intensity, aggression and pressure," said Chivu.&nbsp;"Then in the second half we raised our level of intensity... we're strong, confident and have players who can play such a game."&nbsp;With Monterrey ahead against Urawa, River needed a winner to progress, but their job got harder when Martinez was sent off after 66 minutes for hacking down veteran Henrikh Mkhitaryan.&nbsp;Six minutes later, teenage striker Esposito steered home the opener to leave River on the brink.&nbsp;Bastoni ensured Inter's progress as he drilled home, before River's Gonzalo Montiel picked up a second yellow and was dismissed.&nbsp;There were ugly scenes at the end as River fans threw objects at Inter players leaving the pitch.&nbsp;Both Argentine teams at the tournament, River and their rivals, Boca Juniors, have been eliminated despite their fans creating vibrant atmospheres.&nbsp;"It's a shame for all the people who came en masse to watch the team that we couldn't give them the chance to keep going," said disappointed River coach Marcelo Gallardo.&nbsp;Three goals in a nine-minute first-half spell helped Monterrey defeat Urawa at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena in front of a crowd of only 14,000.&nbsp;Nelson Deossa smashed home a spectacular long-distance effort to open the scoring, and German Berterame rolled the second in at the far post.&nbsp;Former Porto winger Jesus Corona walloped home the third with another fine effort from over 30 yards out, and Berterame struck again late on, as the Japanese side departed with three defeats.&nbsp;"This is what we were looking for, we gave everything -- from the first match until this one, they've all been tough," said Berterame.&nbsp;Monterrey face Dortmund in Atlanta on Tuesday.<h2>Dortmund claim top spot</h2>&nbsp;A solitary first-half goal by Daniel Svensson earned Dortmund top spot in Group F in sweltering Cincinnati heat.&nbsp;Dortmund's second straight victory by a one-goal margin, following their 4-3 defeat of Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, was watched by only just over 8,000 spectators in Cincinnati, among them US Vice President JD Vance and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino.&nbsp;"We can be satisfied. I think our performance was better than in the first two matches," said Dortmund coach Niko Kovac.&nbsp;He has spoken regularly at the tournament about the difficulties posed by the searing June heat in the United States.&nbsp;"What the boys are doing is incredible. Thirty-six degrees Celsius (96.8 degrees Fahrenheit) and 43 degrees in the stadium," Kovac said.&nbsp;Ulsan go home with three defeats from three games, while Fluminense are through after their draw against Sundowns, meaning all four Brazilian teams in the competition have progressed to the knockout phase.&nbsp;Sundowns' exit means none of the four African clubs who came to the tournament will feature in the last 16, but their performances mean they can go home with their heads held high.&nbsp;"We leave and go home with our heads up because we are much stronger than we were when we came here," said the South African champions' coach, Miguel Cardoso.&nbsp;On Thursday, Manchester City face Juventus in a battle for top spot in Group G, while Spanish giants Real Madrid face RB Salzburg as they bid to progress from Group H.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund advance to Club World Cup’s last 16, Argentina’s River Plate eliminated

Inter Milan kept their cool to beat nine-man River Plate 2-0 and reach the Club World Cup last 16 on Wednesday, while Mexican side Monterrey followed them through from Group E. Borussia Dortmund defeated Ulsan HD 1-0 to claim top spot in Group F and the Germans will face Sergio Ramos' Monterrey, who thrashed Urawa Red Diamonds 4-0. Meanwhile, Argentine powerhouses River Plate were eliminated after their defeat by Inter, who will take on more South American opposition on Monday in Charlotte, in the shape of Fluminense. The Brazilian side could only draw 0-0 against South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns, but it was enough to claim second place behind Dortmund. Champions League runners-up Inter faced a battle in Seattle against an aggressive River Plate side who had Lucas Martinez and Gonzalo Montiel sent off in front of 45,000 fans at Lumen Field. Also read | NBA Draft: US teenager Cooper Flagg goes to Dallas Mavericks as top pick Francesco Esposito scored his first Inter goal to put the Italians ahead, and Alessandro Bastoni made the game safe late on for Christian Chivu's side. "In the first half, we were surprised by their intensity, aggression and pressure," said Chivu. "Then in the second half we raised our level of intensity... we're strong, confident and have players who can play such a game." With Monterrey ahead against Urawa, River needed a winner to progress, but their job got harder when Martinez was sent off after 66 minutes for hacking down veteran Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Six minutes later, teenage striker Esposito steered home the opener to leave River on the brink. Bastoni ensured Inter's progress as he drilled home, before River's Gonzalo Montiel picked up a second yellow and was dismissed. There were ugly scenes at the end as River fans threw objects at Inter players leaving the pitch. Both Argentine teams at the tournament, River and their rivals, Boca Juniors, have been eliminated despite their fans creating vibrant atmospheres. "It's a shame for all the people who came en masse to watch the team that we couldn't give them the chance to keep going," said disappointed River coach Marcelo Gallardo. Three goals in a nine-minute first-half spell helped Monterrey defeat Urawa at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena in front of a crowd of only 14,000. Nelson Deossa smashed home a spectacular long-distance effort to open the scoring, and German Berterame rolled the second in at the far post. Former Porto winger Jesus Corona walloped home the third with another fine effort from over 30 yards out, and Berterame struck again late on, as the Japanese side departed with three defeats. "This is what we were looking for, we gave everything -- from the first match until this one, they've all been tough," said Berterame. Monterrey face Dortmund in Atlanta on Tuesday. Dortmund claim top spot A solitary first-half goal by Daniel Svensson earned Dortmund top spot in Group F in sweltering Cincinnati heat. Dortmund's second straight victory by a one-goal margin, following their 4-3 defeat of Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, was watched by only just over 8,000 spectators in Cincinnati, among them US Vice President JD Vance and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino. "We can be satisfied. I think our performance was better than in the first two matches," said Dortmund coach Niko Kovac. He has spoken regularly at the tournament about the difficulties posed by the searing June heat in the United States. "What the boys are doing is incredible. Thirty-six degrees Celsius (96.8 degrees Fahrenheit) and 43 degrees in the stadium," Kovac said. Ulsan go home with three defeats from three games, while Fluminense are through after their draw against Sundowns, meaning all four Brazilian teams in the competition have progressed to the knockout phase. Sundowns' exit means none of the four African clubs who came to the tournament will feature in the last 16, but their performances mean they can go home with their heads held high. "We leave and go home with our heads up because we are much stronger than we were when we came here," said the South African champions' coach, Miguel Cardoso. On Thursday, Manchester City face Juventus in a battle for top spot in Group G, while Spanish giants Real Madrid face RB Salzburg as they bid to progress from Group H. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Argentine powerhouses River Plate were eliminated after their defeat by Inter, who will take on more South American opposition on Monday in Charlotte, in the shape of Fluminense.

Versatile US college teen star Cooper Flagg was selected first overall in the NBA draft on Wednesday by the Dallas Mavericks, where he'll join a star-laden team already touted as a playoff threat next season. Flagg, 18, a consensus pick as the top US college player as a freshman at Duke University last season, is the second-youngest player taken first overall. Superstar LeBron James was eight days younger when he was taken first overall in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers.&nbsp;"It feels surreal," Flagg said after his name was called at the Brooklyn Nets' Barclays Center arena, where his family was by his side. "I'm just playing the moments back in my head, standing up, hearing my name, and it went so fast. It feels like a blur, but I just feel really blessed and honoured to be here."&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-luis-rubiales-disgraced-ex-spain-football-chief-to-appeal-against-court-verdict-in-hermoso-kissing-case-1750873177256">Luis Rubiales, disgraced ex-Spain football chief, to appeal against court verdict in 'Hermoso kissing' case</a>&nbsp;The Mavericks beat the odds to land the top pick in the draft lottery and, as expected, grabbed Flagg, who averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocked shots per game for the Blue Devils, who lost to Houston in the semi-finals of the NCAA collegiate tournament.&nbsp;The 6-foot-9 (2.06m) player from Maine is a two-way playmaker and could be just the player Mavericks fans need to put aside the outrage triggered by the trade of star guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis in February.&nbsp;That move broke up a squad that had reached the NBA Finals in 2024, and the Mavericks were eliminated in the play-in tournament this year.&nbsp;But with Flagg now the third number one pick on the Mavs' roster, alongside Davis and Kyrie Irving, Dallas will be eyeing another deep playoff run.<h2>Ready to learn</h2>&nbsp;"I'm looking forward to being successful and winning a lot of games for sure," Flagg said. "I keep saying I'm excited to be a sponge, to get down there and just learn, be surrounded by Hall of Fame-calibre guys, and just to be able to learn from them."&nbsp;The San Antonio Spurs took Rutgers University guard Dylan Harper with the second overall selection -- the third straight year the Spurs have had a top-four pick.&nbsp;In 2023, the Spurs made French star Victor Wembanyama the No. 1 overall selection and last year they took Stephon Castle with the fourth overall pick -- both going on to earn Rookie of the Year honours.&nbsp;Harper, the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, averaged 19/4 points per game on 48.4 per cent shooting -- astonishing numbers for a freshman.&nbsp;The Philadelphia 76ers, whose litany of injuries this past season included Joe Embiid's protracted knee trouble that saw his season end in February and groin and knee injuries that cut short Paul George's season, selected VJ Edgecomb, a native of the Bahamas who played for Baylor University.&nbsp;Flagg's Duke teammate Kon Knueppel went to the Charlotte Hornets as the fourth overall pick, and Ace Bailey of Rutgers went to Utah at number five.&nbsp;Khaman Maluach, who played for his native South Sudan at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the Paris Olympics and played for Duke, is headed to the Phoenix Suns after being selected 10th.&nbsp;Chinese big man Yang Hansen, tipped to go in the second round, was the surprise 16th pick and is headed to the Portland Trail Blazers after a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies.&nbsp;Yang is the ninth player from China to be drafted into the NBA and the first since 2016.&nbsp;Yang averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game in the Chinese Basketball Association last season. When his name was called, the 7-foot-1 center made his way to the stage from the stands, having not been put in the waiting room with likely first-round prospects.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

NBA Draft: US teenager Cooper Flagg goes to Dallas Mavericks as top pick

Versatile US college teen star Cooper Flagg was selected first overall in the NBA draft on Wednesday by the Dallas Mavericks, where he'll join a star-laden team already touted as a playoff threat next season. Flagg, 18, a consensus pick as the top US college player as a freshman at Duke University last season, is the second-youngest player taken first overall. Superstar LeBron James was eight days younger when he was taken first overall in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers. "It feels surreal," Flagg said after his name was called at the Brooklyn Nets' Barclays Center arena, where his family was by his side. "I'm just playing the moments back in my head, standing up, hearing my name, and it went so fast. It feels like a blur, but I just feel really blessed and honoured to be here." Also read | Luis Rubiales, disgraced ex-Spain football chief, to appeal against court verdict in 'Hermoso kissing' case The Mavericks beat the odds to land the top pick in the draft lottery and, as expected, grabbed Flagg, who averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocked shots per game for the Blue Devils, who lost to Houston in the semi-finals of the NCAA collegiate tournament. The 6-foot-9 (2.06m) player from Maine is a two-way playmaker and could be just the player Mavericks fans need to put aside the outrage triggered by the trade of star guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis in February. That move broke up a squad that had reached the NBA Finals in 2024, and the Mavericks were eliminated in the play-in tournament this year. But with Flagg now the third number one pick on the Mavs' roster, alongside Davis and Kyrie Irving, Dallas will be eyeing another deep playoff run. Ready to learn "I'm looking forward to being successful and winning a lot of games for sure," Flagg said. "I keep saying I'm excited to be a sponge, to get down there and just learn, be surrounded by Hall of Fame-calibre guys, and just to be able to learn from them." The San Antonio Spurs took Rutgers University guard Dylan Harper with the second overall selection -- the third straight year the Spurs have had a top-four pick. In 2023, the Spurs made French star Victor Wembanyama the No. 1 overall selection and last year they took Stephon Castle with the fourth overall pick -- both going on to earn Rookie of the Year honours. Harper, the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, averaged 19/4 points per game on 48.4 per cent shooting -- astonishing numbers for a freshman. The Philadelphia 76ers, whose litany of injuries this past season included Joe Embiid's protracted knee trouble that saw his season end in February and groin and knee injuries that cut short Paul George's season, selected VJ Edgecomb, a native of the Bahamas who played for Baylor University. Flagg's Duke teammate Kon Knueppel went to the Charlotte Hornets as the fourth overall pick, and Ace Bailey of Rutgers went to Utah at number five. Khaman Maluach, who played for his native South Sudan at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the Paris Olympics and played for Duke, is headed to the Phoenix Suns after being selected 10th. Chinese big man Yang Hansen, tipped to go in the second round, was the surprise 16th pick and is headed to the Portland Trail Blazers after a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. Yang is the ninth player from China to be drafted into the NBA and the first since 2016. Yang averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game in the Chinese Basketball Association last season. When his name was called, the 7-foot-1 center made his way to the stage from the stands, having not been put in the waiting room with likely first-round prospects. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Flagg, 18, a consensus pick as the top US college player as a freshman at Duke University last season, is the second-youngest player taken first overall.

Australia's pacers struck back with four wickets after they were dealt some of their own medicine in being dismissed for 180 by the West Indies fast bowlers on the opening day of the first Test in Barbados on Wednesday.&nbsp;Seeking their first Test match victory on home soil against Australia for 22 years, the Caribbean side will resume on the second morning at 57 for four at Kensington Oval.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ind-vs-eng-experience-matters-acknowledges-coach-gambhir-but-call-for-patience-with-pacers-after-headingley-drubbing-1750856260401">IND vs ENG: 'Experience matters,' acknowledges coach Gambhir but call for patience with pacers after Headingley drubbing</a>&nbsp;Mitchell Starc, captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood replicated the devastation of West Indian counterparts Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph to bring Australia right back into the first of a three-match series.&nbsp;Seales capitalised on the early blows inflicted by Joseph, polishing off the lower order to finish with five for 60, his third five-wicket innings haul in his 19th Test.&nbsp;Joseph, who enjoyed a sensational debut series at the expense of the Australians, highlighted by a match-winning innings haul of seven for 68 in Brisbane 17 months ago, was again in devastating form against the same opponents, prising out four of the first six wickets to fall over the first two sessions.&nbsp;He cast aside the ordinary performances of most of the previous year and a half to claim four for 46 from 16 overs of sustained pace, where he continuously challenged all batsmen and would have enjoyed greater success but for poor catching by his teammates.&nbsp;Debutant Brandon King was the chief culprit, missing three chances at gully. But the most expensive lapse was from new captain Roston Chase, who, in his 50th Test, dropped Usman Khawaja at first slip when the opener was just on six.<h3>Khawaja and Head in key stand</h3>&nbsp;Khawaja battled to 47 before eventually falling to Joseph, featuring in an important 89-run fourth-wicket stand with Travis Head after the Australians had slumped to 22 for three in the morning following Cummins' decision to bat first on winning the toss.&nbsp;Head's top score of 59 was highlighted, as usual, by flamboyant drives and pulls, the left-hander counting nine boundaries in his 78-ball innings.&nbsp;Earlier, Australia's captain had cause to immediately ponder on the wisdom of his decision when Joseph dispatched Sam Konstas and Cameron Green in quick succession with the new ball and should have also accounted for Khawaja, who had another reprieve on 45.&nbsp;However, the opener's luck eventually ran out when he under-edged a pull at Joseph to be caught behind, while Beau Webster was comprehensively bowled by arguably the best ball of the day from the Guyanese pacer.&nbsp;Seales, who had dispatched Josh Inglis in the morning via a skied catch to wicketkeeper Shai Hope from a miscued pull, claimed a vital second wicket when Alex Carey edged a drive high to Chase at first slip on the stroke of tea.&nbsp;"This was really special for me," said Seales in reflecting on his effort at the end of the day.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I was injured when last I played a Test against them, so to come back here and get five was really satisfying.&nbsp;&nbsp;"With the new ball, we knew we had to bowl a bit fuller. This pitch was also a bit slower than the Australians would have expected, and that worked in our favour with them playing at balls they didn't have to."&nbsp;Following Head's swift demise at the start of the final session to medium-pacer Justin Greaves, Seales removed Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood without too much fuss, leaving the West Indies top-order batting with a challenging passage of play before the close.&nbsp;It proved a task beyond four of them, Starc accounting for openers Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell before Cummins removed Keacy Carty and Hazlewood dispatched nightwatchman Jomel Warrican, leaving King and Chase to carry the fight into the second day.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

WI vs AUS, 1st Test: Fast bowlers headline 14-wicket day one in Barbados

Australia's pacers struck back with four wickets after they were dealt some of their own medicine in being dismissed for 180 by the West Indies fast bowlers on the opening day of the first Test in Barbados on Wednesday. Seeking their first Test match victory on home soil against Australia for 22 years, the Caribbean side will resume on the second morning at 57 for four at Kensington Oval. Also read | IND vs ENG: 'Experience matters,' acknowledges coach Gambhir but call for patience with pacers after Headingley drubbing Mitchell Starc, captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood replicated the devastation of West Indian counterparts Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph to bring Australia right back into the first of a three-match series. Seales capitalised on the early blows inflicted by Joseph, polishing off the lower order to finish with five for 60, his third five-wicket innings haul in his 19th Test. Joseph, who enjoyed a sensational debut series at the expense of the Australians, highlighted by a match-winning innings haul of seven for 68 in Brisbane 17 months ago, was again in devastating form against the same opponents, prising out four of the first six wickets to fall over the first two sessions. He cast aside the ordinary performances of most of the previous year and a half to claim four for 46 from 16 overs of sustained pace, where he continuously challenged all batsmen and would have enjoyed greater success but for poor catching by his teammates. Debutant Brandon King was the chief culprit, missing three chances at gully. But the most expensive lapse was from new captain Roston Chase, who, in his 50th Test, dropped Usman Khawaja at first slip when the opener was just on six. Khawaja and Head in key stand Khawaja battled to 47 before eventually falling to Joseph, featuring in an important 89-run fourth-wicket stand with Travis Head after the Australians had slumped to 22 for three in the morning following Cummins' decision to bat first on winning the toss. Head's top score of 59 was highlighted, as usual, by flamboyant drives and pulls, the left-hander counting nine boundaries in his 78-ball innings. Earlier, Australia's captain had cause to immediately ponder on the wisdom of his decision when Joseph dispatched Sam Konstas and Cameron Green in quick succession with the new ball and should have also accounted for Khawaja, who had another reprieve on 45. However, the opener's luck eventually ran out when he under-edged a pull at Joseph to be caught behind, while Beau Webster was comprehensively bowled by arguably the best ball of the day from the Guyanese pacer. Seales, who had dispatched Josh Inglis in the morning via a skied catch to wicketkeeper Shai Hope from a miscued pull, claimed a vital second wicket when Alex Carey edged a drive high to Chase at first slip on the stroke of tea. "This was really special for me," said Seales in reflecting on his effort at the end of the day. "I was injured when last I played a Test against them, so to come back here and get five was really satisfying. "With the new ball, we knew we had to bowl a bit fuller. This pitch was also a bit slower than the Australians would have expected, and that worked in our favour with them playing at balls they didn't have to." Following Head's swift demise at the start of the final session to medium-pacer Justin Greaves, Seales removed Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood without too much fuss, leaving the West Indies top-order batting with a challenging passage of play before the close. It proved a task beyond four of them, Starc accounting for openers Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell before Cummins removed Keacy Carty and Hazlewood dispatched nightwatchman Jomel Warrican, leaving King and Chase to carry the fight into the second day. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Seeking their first Test match victory on home soil against Australia for 22 years, the Caribbean side will resume on the second morning at 57 for four at Kensington Oval.&nbsp;

After weeks of painstaking testimony in the high-profile trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, legal teams will enter a pivotal moment of the proceedings Thursday as they deliver closing arguments.&nbsp;Both sides have said their climactic summations will last several hours each, as the fate of the once-powerful music mogul hangs in the balance.&nbsp;Prosecutors say Combs, 55, masterminded a decades-long pattern of wrongdoing that saw him and an inner circle of employees carry out crimes including forced labor, arson, bribery and witness tampering.&nbsp;The famed producer coerced two women -- the singer Casandra Ventura and later a woman who testified under the pseudonym Jane -- into years of drug-addled sex with paid escorts, prosecutors say.&nbsp;The most serious charge of racketeering -- which includes the existence of a criminal enterprise that committed a pattern of offenses -- could send Combs to prison for life. He also faces two charges of sex trafficking and two more for transportation for purposes of prostitution.&nbsp;But Combs denies it all: his lawyers have argued the artist's relationships were consensual and have sought to convince jurors that many of the witnesses who testified were doing so for reasons including financial gain or jealousy.&nbsp;Along with alleged victims, government witnesses included former assistants and other employees, as well as escorts, friends and family of Ventura, and a hotel security guard who said he was bribed with $100,000 in a paper bag.&nbsp;Law enforcement officials and a forensic psychologist were also among the 34 individuals to take the stand.&nbsp;Combs opted against testifying on his own behalf, a common strategy of defense teams who are not required to prove innocence, only to cast doubt on government allegations of guilt.&nbsp;The government's evidence included thousands of pages of phone and text records, and hours of testimony involved meticulous readings of some of the most explicit and wrenching exchanges.&nbsp;Many of those records appear to indicate distress on the part of the alleged victims. But a lot of the messages also show affection and desire -- texts the defense underscored again and again.&nbsp;Jurors have seen video evidence of the sex parties prosecutors say were criminal, while the defense has exhibited exchanges they said imply consent.&nbsp;Also in evidence are reams of financial records -- including CashApp payments to escorts -- as well as flight and hotel records.&nbsp;<h2>- Deliberations up next - &nbsp;</h2>Since early May the proceedings have gripped the Manhattan federal courthouse where they're taking place.&nbsp;&nbsp;And though electronics -- that includes phones, laptops, and even AirPods -- are barred from the building and must be left with security, dozens of influencers and content creators have buzzed around the courthouse's exterior every day, delivering hot takes to eager social media fans.&nbsp;Combs is incarcerated and does not enter or exit the courthouse publicly. But some of the high-profile attendees and witnesses do, including members of the music mogul's family and figures like Kid Cudi, the rapper who testified that Combs's entourage torched his car.&nbsp;The marathon closing arguments are anticipated to wrap up on Friday.&nbsp;There is a slim chance jurors will go into deliberations that afternoon, but legal teams have indicated it's more likely the panel of citizens will get the case on Monday.&nbsp;Then the world waits, as 12 New Yorkers consider the future of a man whose reputation as a dynamic starmaker is now in tatters. &nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience

After weeks of painstaking testimony in the high-profile trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, legal teams will enter a pivotal moment of the proceedings Thursday as they deliver closing arguments.

After weeks of painstaking testimony in the high-profile trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, legal teams will enter a pivotal moment of the proceedings Thursday as they deliver closing arguments. Both sides have said their climactic summations will last several hours each, as the fate of the once-powerful music mogul hangs in the balance. Prosecutors say Combs, 55, masterminded a decades-long pattern of wrongdoing that saw him and an inner circle of employees carry out crimes including forced labor, arson, bribery and witness tampering. The famed producer coerced two women -- the singer Casandra Ventura and later a woman who testified under the pseudonym Jane -- into years of drug-addled sex with paid escorts, prosecutors say. The most serious charge of racketeering -- which includes the existence of a criminal enterprise that committed a pattern of offenses -- could send Combs to prison for life. He also faces two charges of sex trafficking and two more for transportation for purposes of prostitution. But Combs denies it all: his lawyers have argued the artist's relationships were consensual and have sought to convince jurors that many of the witnesses who testified were doing so for reasons including financial gain or jealousy. Along with alleged victims, government witnesses included former assistants and other employees, as well as escorts, friends and family of Ventura, and a hotel security guard who said he was bribed with $100,000 in a paper bag. Law enforcement officials and a forensic psychologist were also among the 34 individuals to take the stand. Combs opted against testifying on his own behalf, a common strategy of defense teams who are not required to prove innocence, only to cast doubt on government allegations of guilt. The government's evidence included thousands of pages of phone and text records, and hours of testimony involved meticulous readings of some of the most explicit and wrenching exchanges. Many of those records appear to indicate distress on the part of the alleged victims. But a lot of the messages also show affection and desire -- texts the defense underscored again and again. Jurors have seen video evidence of the sex parties prosecutors say were criminal, while the defense has exhibited exchanges they said imply consent. Also in evidence are reams of financial records -- including CashApp payments to escorts -- as well as flight and hotel records. - Deliberations up next - Since early May the proceedings have gripped the Manhattan federal courthouse where they're taking place. And though electronics -- that includes phones, laptops, and even AirPods -- are barred from the building and must be left with security, dozens of influencers and content creators have buzzed around the courthouse's exterior every day, delivering hot takes to eager social media fans. Combs is incarcerated and does not enter or exit the courthouse publicly. But some of the high-profile attendees and witnesses do, including members of the music mogul's family and figures like Kid Cudi, the rapper who testified that Combs's entourage torched his car. The marathon closing arguments are anticipated to wrap up on Friday. There is a slim chance jurors will go into deliberations that afternoon, but legal teams have indicated it's more likely the panel of citizens will get the case on Monday. Then the world waits, as 12 New Yorkers consider the future of a man whose reputation as a dynamic starmaker is now in tatters. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience

After weeks of painstaking testimony in the high-profile trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, legal teams will enter a pivotal moment of the proceedings Thursday as they deliver closing arguments.

Trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs heads into closing arguments

Disgraced former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales will appeal at the Supreme Court the confirmation of his 10,800-euro fine for forcibly kissing Jenni Hermoso, his lawyer said on Wednesday. After a keenly awaited trial that gripped the country, Spain's top criminal court in February found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for the kiss at the 2023 Women's World Cup that generated global outrage. The Audiencia Nacional also cleared him of a separate accusation of coercion for allegedly forcing Hermoso to downplay the incident afterwards.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-england-and-liverpool-star-adam-lallana-announces-retirement-1750850363770">Former England and Brighton star Adam Lallana announces retirement</a>Both parties contested the sentence, which fell short of the two and a half year prison term sought by prosecutors and infuriated feminist groups that condemned the punishment as too lenient.Rubiales maintained the kiss was a consensual "peck" between friends celebrating during the medal ceremony after star forward Hermoso had just helped Spain beat England in the final in Sydney, denying any coercion.The court said in a statement on Wednesday that it had rejected the appeals of the defence team and the prosecutors, maintaining the conviction and the fine."The kiss was not consensual" and Hermoso "expressed her displeasure with what happened, as she herself confirmed in the trial, as well as her teammates", the court wrote."It cannot be said that a kiss in those circumstances was frequent or common or usual."It also confirmed that Rubiales, former women's national team manager Jorge Vilda and two former senior federation officials, Albert Luque and Ruben Rivera, were cleared of the coercion charge.Rubiales's lawyer Olga Tubau told AFP that he would appeal the verdict at the Supreme Court.Football federation in turmoil A separate request by the prosecutors to rerun the trial, notably due to doubts over the judge's impartiality, was dismissed.The court also maintained a ban on Rubiales from going within a 200-metre radius of Hermoso and from communicating with her for one year.The kiss sparked a global uproar that forced Rubiales to relinquish his post, saw him banned from all football-related activity for three years and plunged the federation into a prolonged period of turmoil.The affair made Hermoso, the all-time top scorer for the national women's team, an icon of the fight against sexism and macho culture in sport.Rubiales is also embroiled in an investigation into alleged financial irregularities totalling millions of euros related to the Spanish Super Cup's relocation to Saudi Arabia, which involved a company owned by Barcelona great Gerard Pique.Rubiales has dismissed the allegations as "falsehoods".Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Rubiales maintained the kiss was a consensual "peck" between friends celebrating during the medal ceremony after star forward Hermoso had just helped Spain beat England in the final in Sydney, denying any coercion.

Disgraced former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales will appeal at the Supreme Court the confirmation of his 10,800-euro fine for forcibly kissing Jenni Hermoso, his lawyer said on Wednesday. After a keenly awaited trial that gripped the country, Spain's top criminal court in February found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for the kiss at the 2023 Women's World Cup that generated global outrage. The Audiencia Nacional also cleared him of a separate accusation of coercion for allegedly forcing Hermoso to downplay the incident afterwards. Also Read - Former England and Brighton star Adam Lallana announces retirement Both parties contested the sentence, which fell short of the two and a half year prison term sought by prosecutors and infuriated feminist groups that condemned the punishment as too lenient. Rubiales maintained the kiss was a consensual "peck" between friends celebrating during the medal ceremony after star forward Hermoso had just helped Spain beat England in the final in Sydney, denying any coercion. The court said in a statement on Wednesday that it had rejected the appeals of the defence team and the prosecutors, maintaining the conviction and the fine. "The kiss was not consensual" and Hermoso "expressed her displeasure with what happened, as she herself confirmed in the trial, as well as her teammates", the court wrote. "It cannot be said that a kiss in those circumstances was frequent or common or usual." It also confirmed that Rubiales, former women's national team manager Jorge Vilda and two former senior federation officials, Albert Luque and Ruben Rivera, were cleared of the coercion charge. Rubiales's lawyer Olga Tubau told AFP that he would appeal the verdict at the Supreme Court. Football federation in turmoil A separate request by the prosecutors to rerun the trial, notably due to doubts over the judge's impartiality, was dismissed. The court also maintained a ban on Rubiales from going within a 200-metre radius of Hermoso and from communicating with her for one year. The kiss sparked a global uproar that forced Rubiales to relinquish his post, saw him banned from all football-related activity for three years and plunged the federation into a prolonged period of turmoil. The affair made Hermoso, the all-time top scorer for the national women's team, an icon of the fight against sexism and macho culture in sport. Rubiales is also embroiled in an investigation into alleged financial irregularities totalling millions of euros related to the Spanish Super Cup's relocation to Saudi Arabia, which involved a company owned by Barcelona great Gerard Pique. Rubiales has dismissed the allegations as "falsehoods". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Rubiales maintained the kiss was a consensual "peck" between friends celebrating during the medal ceremony after star forward Hermoso had just helped Spain beat England in the final in Sydney, denying any coercion.

Luis Rubiales, disgraced ex-Spain football chief, to appeal against court verdict in 'Hermoso kissing' case

Both legal teams in the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs rested their case on Tuesday, ushering in the final phases of the high-profile proceedings gripping a Manhattan federal courthouse.&nbsp;US prosecutors finished questioning their 34th and final witness in the seventh week of testimony, after which the defense delivered a brief case in which they opted against calling anyone further to the stand.&nbsp;That included Combs himself: it is common for defendants not to testify in their own trial, as taking the mic could open them up to potentially incriminating themselves.&nbsp;In a short, standard exchange with Judge Arun Subramanian, Combs confirmed that he would not take the stand on his own behalf.&nbsp;"Is it your decision not to testify in this case?" the judge asked, to which Combs responded: "That is my decision, your honor."&nbsp;"It is solely my decision," he continued, before adding that he came to that conclusion "with my lawyers."&nbsp;"It's my decision to make. I'm making this freely."&nbsp;The defense rested after presenting a number of exhibits, a process that lasted less than half-an-hour.&nbsp;It's not abnormal for defense teams to opt against presenting witnesses; the obligation to prove guilt lies on prosecutors, and unless jurors decide they have, the defendant is presumed innocent.&nbsp;Marathon closing arguments are expected to begin on Thursday, after which jurors will be tasked with deciding the fate of the 55-year-old Combs, who faces life in prison if convicted on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation for purposes of prostitution.&nbsp;Also on Tuesday the defense presented to the judge their acquittal motion -- an argument that the prosecution has not met its burden of proof for each of the five charges.&nbsp;Such efforts are common in these types of cases, but acquittals are almost never granted.&nbsp;<h2>- 'Freak-offs' -</h2>&nbsp;Since early May, prosecutors have aimed to draw connections across a web of witnesses, phone records and travel bookings in a bid to show that Combs was the kingpin of an enterprise that carried out crimes including bribery, arson and kidnapping to enforce his power and satisfy his every desire.&nbsp;The prosecution said the artist and entrepreneur trafficked women and men for drug-fueled sexual marathons, sometimes days-long encounters dubbed "freak-offs" or "hotel nights."&nbsp;Some of the events were filmed, and jurors have watched a number of sexually explicit clips.&nbsp;Government attorneys closed their questioning by offering reams of text messages and other records for jurors to review, documentation of dozens of freak-offs that they say also shows arrangements for prostitution and trafficking.&nbsp;As testimony of the last summary witness -- someone brought in to explain data and records to jurors -- wrapped up, prosecutor Maurene Comey delivered a staccato burst of questions to emphasize elements of charges related to transportation with the intent of prostitution.&nbsp;Combs denies all charges.&nbsp;Lawyers for Combs have insisted that what prosecutors have called sex trafficking was consensual.&nbsp;Three women have testified in graphic detail of harrowing sexual, physical and emotional abuse.&nbsp;The singer Casandra Ventura, Combs's girlfriend for more than a decade, filed suit against Combs in 2023, a civil case that was settled out of court in less than 24 hours -- but which opened the floodgates for a deluge of accusations against the one-time music industry powerhouse.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was among the key witnesses to testify at the trial, and jurors were repeatedly shown now-infamous surveillance footage of Combs violently kicking and dragging Ventura in a hotel.&nbsp;A hotel security guard testified that he received $100,000 in a brown paper bag from Combs in exchange for the disturbing tape, which CNN published last year.&nbsp;Jurors are not sequestered but are instructed every day not to consume any media about the case -- a mighty task, as news of the trial has permeated both traditional and social media.

US prosecutors finished questioning their 34th and final witness in the seventh week of testimony, after which the defense delivered a brief case in which they opted against calling anyone further to the stand.

Both legal teams in the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs rested their case on Tuesday, ushering in the final phases of the high-profile proceedings gripping a Manhattan federal courthouse. US prosecutors finished questioning their 34th and final witness in the seventh week of testimony, after which the defense delivered a brief case in which they opted against calling anyone further to the stand. That included Combs himself: it is common for defendants not to testify in their own trial, as taking the mic could open them up to potentially incriminating themselves. In a short, standard exchange with Judge Arun Subramanian, Combs confirmed that he would not take the stand on his own behalf. "Is it your decision not to testify in this case?" the judge asked, to which Combs responded: "That is my decision, your honor." "It is solely my decision," he continued, before adding that he came to that conclusion "with my lawyers." "It's my decision to make. I'm making this freely." The defense rested after presenting a number of exhibits, a process that lasted less than half-an-hour. It's not abnormal for defense teams to opt against presenting witnesses; the obligation to prove guilt lies on prosecutors, and unless jurors decide they have, the defendant is presumed innocent. Marathon closing arguments are expected to begin on Thursday, after which jurors will be tasked with deciding the fate of the 55-year-old Combs, who faces life in prison if convicted on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation for purposes of prostitution. Also on Tuesday the defense presented to the judge their acquittal motion -- an argument that the prosecution has not met its burden of proof for each of the five charges. Such efforts are common in these types of cases, but acquittals are almost never granted. - 'Freak-offs' - Since early May, prosecutors have aimed to draw connections across a web of witnesses, phone records and travel bookings in a bid to show that Combs was the kingpin of an enterprise that carried out crimes including bribery, arson and kidnapping to enforce his power and satisfy his every desire. The prosecution said the artist and entrepreneur trafficked women and men for drug-fueled sexual marathons, sometimes days-long encounters dubbed "freak-offs" or "hotel nights." Some of the events were filmed, and jurors have watched a number of sexually explicit clips. Government attorneys closed their questioning by offering reams of text messages and other records for jurors to review, documentation of dozens of freak-offs that they say also shows arrangements for prostitution and trafficking. As testimony of the last summary witness -- someone brought in to explain data and records to jurors -- wrapped up, prosecutor Maurene Comey delivered a staccato burst of questions to emphasize elements of charges related to transportation with the intent of prostitution. Combs denies all charges. Lawyers for Combs have insisted that what prosecutors have called sex trafficking was consensual. Three women have testified in graphic detail of harrowing sexual, physical and emotional abuse. The singer Casandra Ventura, Combs's girlfriend for more than a decade, filed suit against Combs in 2023, a civil case that was settled out of court in less than 24 hours -- but which opened the floodgates for a deluge of accusations against the one-time music industry powerhouse. She was among the key witnesses to testify at the trial, and jurors were repeatedly shown now-infamous surveillance footage of Combs violently kicking and dragging Ventura in a hotel. A hotel security guard testified that he received $100,000 in a brown paper bag from Combs in exchange for the disturbing tape, which CNN published last year. Jurors are not sequestered but are instructed every day not to consume any media about the case -- a mighty task, as news of the trial has permeated both traditional and social media.

US prosecutors finished questioning their 34th and final witness in the seventh week of testimony, after which the defense delivered a brief case in which they opted against calling anyone further to the stand.

Both sides in Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial rest case, closing arguments next

Mosquito-borne dengue fever was rarely a major problem in Bangladesh's coastal districts, but some hospitals are so full of those with the potentially deadly virus that patients are treated on the floor.&nbsp;As climate change drives erratic weather patterns, experts point to a dire lack of clean drinking water in the wider delta -- where the snaking Brahmaputra and Ganges rivers reach the sea -- as a likely driving force for the surge.&nbsp;Rakibul Islam Rajan said his two-year-old daughter keeps searching for her mother, Azmeri Mona Lisa Zareen, who died of dengue in early June in the southern region of Barisal.&nbsp;"Zareen developed high fever... her blood pressure collapsed -- and then she couldn't breathe," said 31-year-old Rajan.&nbsp;"Our daughter keeps searching for her from one room to another".&nbsp;In the worst cases, intense viral fevers trigger bleeding, internally or from the mouth and nose.Barisal has recorded nearly half of the 7,500 dengue cases across Bangladesh this year, according to the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR).&nbsp;Five people have died there this year with dengue fever, out of 31 deaths recorded across the entire country of some 170 million people.&nbsp;Numbers are still far below the deadly outbreak of 2023, when more than 1,700 people died across the South Asian nation, and more than 200,000 were infected.&nbsp;In the Barisal district of Barguna, the hospital is packed full. Barisal health chief Shyamol Krishna Mondal said it was the "worst we've seen". Barguna's 250-bed public hospital was coping with more than 200 dengue patients.&nbsp;"We couldn't even offer beds," Mondal said. "They are getting treatment while lying on the floor."Kabirul Bashar, an expert on disease at Jahangirnagar University, said a lack of clean water was "one of the major reasons".&nbsp;People store rainwater in containers, exactly the conditions mosquitoes love. "The water distribution system is almost absent," Bashar said.<h2>'Vulnerability is soaring'</h2>While a lack of clean water is a long-running problem, climate change is making it worse.&nbsp;Rising seas driven by climate change threaten swathes of low-lying Bangladesh, with increasing numbers of powerful storms bringing seawater further inland, turning wells and lakes salty, according to government scientists.&nbsp;Changing weather patterns, making once predictable rains uncertain, adds to the challenge -- with people storing rainwater when they can.&nbsp;But Mushtuq Husain, a public health expert and adviser at IEDCR, said that the plentiful water storage pots also provided perfect mosquito breeding sites.&nbsp;"We can't allow water stagnation anywhere -- that should be the rule of thumb, but it's not happening," he said.&nbsp;"The vulnerability is soaring because of the high temperatures and erratic rainfall, which are conducive to mosquito breeding."&nbsp;Bangladesh has recorded cases of dengue since the 1960s but documented its first outbreak of dengue haemorrhagic fever, a severe and sometimes fatal form of the disease, in 2000.&nbsp;The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that dengue and other mosquito-borne viruses are spreading faster and further due to climate change.&nbsp;About half of the world's population is now at risk of dengue, with an estimated 100 to 400 million infections occurring each year, and many of those causing only mild illness, according to the WHO.&nbsp;Rajan, mourning his wife, worries that there will be more deaths to come, accusing local authorities of failing to stem mosquitoes.&nbsp;"Dengue has taken her," he said of his late wife. "I don't know how many more are in the queue... but I don't see enough cleanup activities."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience. &nbsp;

In the deadly outbreak of 2023, more than 1,700 people died across the South Asian nation, and more than 200,000 were infected.

Mosquito-borne dengue fever was rarely a major problem in Bangladesh's coastal districts, but some hospitals are so full of those with the potentially deadly virus that patients are treated on the floor. As climate change drives erratic weather patterns, experts point to a dire lack of clean drinking water in the wider delta -- where the snaking Brahmaputra and Ganges rivers reach the sea -- as a likely driving force for the surge. Rakibul Islam Rajan said his two-year-old daughter keeps searching for her mother, Azmeri Mona Lisa Zareen, who died of dengue in early June in the southern region of Barisal. "Zareen developed high fever... her blood pressure collapsed -- and then she couldn't breathe," said 31-year-old Rajan. "Our daughter keeps searching for her from one room to another". In the worst cases, intense viral fevers trigger bleeding, internally or from the mouth and nose. Barisal has recorded nearly half of the 7,500 dengue cases across Bangladesh this year, according to the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR). Five people have died there this year with dengue fever, out of 31 deaths recorded across the entire country of some 170 million people. Numbers are still far below the deadly outbreak of 2023, when more than 1,700 people died across the South Asian nation, and more than 200,000 were infected. In the Barisal district of Barguna, the hospital is packed full. Barisal health chief Shyamol Krishna Mondal said it was the "worst we've seen". Barguna's 250-bed public hospital was coping with more than 200 dengue patients. "We couldn't even offer beds," Mondal said. "They are getting treatment while lying on the floor." Kabirul Bashar, an expert on disease at Jahangirnagar University, said a lack of clean water was "one of the major reasons". People store rainwater in containers, exactly the conditions mosquitoes love. "The water distribution system is almost absent," Bashar said. 'Vulnerability is soaring' While a lack of clean water is a long-running problem, climate change is making it worse. Rising seas driven by climate change threaten swathes of low-lying Bangladesh, with increasing numbers of powerful storms bringing seawater further inland, turning wells and lakes salty, according to government scientists. Changing weather patterns, making once predictable rains uncertain, adds to the challenge -- with people storing rainwater when they can. But Mushtuq Husain, a public health expert and adviser at IEDCR, said that the plentiful water storage pots also provided perfect mosquito breeding sites. "We can't allow water stagnation anywhere -- that should be the rule of thumb, but it's not happening," he said. "The vulnerability is soaring because of the high temperatures and erratic rainfall, which are conducive to mosquito breeding." Bangladesh has recorded cases of dengue since the 1960s but documented its first outbreak of dengue haemorrhagic fever, a severe and sometimes fatal form of the disease, in 2000. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that dengue and other mosquito-borne viruses are spreading faster and further due to climate change. About half of the world's population is now at risk of dengue, with an estimated 100 to 400 million infections occurring each year, and many of those causing only mild illness, according to the WHO. Rajan, mourning his wife, worries that there will be more deaths to come, accusing local authorities of failing to stem mosquitoes. "Dengue has taken her," he said of his late wife. "I don't know how many more are in the queue... but I don't see enough cleanup activities." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

In the deadly outbreak of 2023, more than 1,700 people died across the South Asian nation, and more than 200,000 were infected.&nbsp;

Deadly dengue fever hits coastal region of Bangladesh

Liam Delap scored his first Chelsea goal in a 3-0 win over Tunisian champions Esperance on Tuesday which took the Blues through to the last 16 of the Club World Cup. A game played in sweaty conditions at the end of a blisteringly hot day in Philadelphia never really came to life and was decided by two goals scored in first-half stoppage time by Tosin Adarabioyo and then Delap.&nbsp;Tyrique George added the third in injury time at the end of the game and the victory, achieved in front of 32,937 fans at Lincoln Financial Field, allowed Enzo Maresca's side to bounce back from a 3-1 loss to Flamengo last Friday. Chelsea therefore clinched second place in Group D behind the Brazilian giants while Esperance are eliminated.&nbsp;Chelsea will now travel south to Charlotte in North Carolina to face Benfica on Saturday, with the Portuguese club having earlier beaten Bayern Munich to top Group C. That will be a first meeting of the clubs since Chelsea beat Benfica in the 2013 Europa League final, and the winner of that tie will play either Palmeiras or Botafogo of Brazil in the last eight.Chelsea only needed a draw to advance and Maresca felt comfortable enough to make eight changes to his starting line-up following the Flamengo defeat.&nbsp;Delap, Enzo Fernandez and Malo Gusto were the only players to keep their places while Josh Acheampong was among the lesser-seen faces to get a chance. The 19-year-old right-back, making his 10th start in all competitions this season, came close with a shot saved low down by Esperance goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said on 36 minutes.&nbsp;Fernandez then shot wide from the edge of the box as Chelsea controlled the first half without overly troubling the Tunisian defence until the third minute of stoppage time.That was when Fernandez floated a free-kick into the area and Adarabioyo, up from the back, scored with a header into the bottom corner. Esperance needed to win the game and their hopes were as good as over as Chelsea scored again two minutes later.&nbsp;Fernandez, formerly of Benfica, was again the provider as he fed Delap, and the new signing from Ipswich Town controlled with his back to goal, turned and slotted a low shot into the net to get off the mark in his new colours. With temperatures still hovering close to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) late into the evening, conditions remained far from easy for the two sides.&nbsp;Both teams made changes, with defender Mamadou Sarr and Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos getting their first Chelsea minutes since joining from Strasbourg. Chelsea thought they had a penalty 15 minutes from time when the referee pointed to the spot as a Santos shot brushed the hand of Yassine Meriah -- but the award was overturned following a long VAR check. A third goal did finally arrive deep in injury time at the end of the game as George, another substitute, found the net with a shot that the goalkeeper should have kept out.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Club World Cup: Chelsea east past Esperance 3-0 to progress to last 16

Liam Delap scored his first Chelsea goal in a 3-0 win over Tunisian champions Esperance on Tuesday which took the Blues through to the last 16 of the Club World Cup. A game played in sweaty conditions at the end of a blisteringly hot day in Philadelphia never really came to life and was decided by two goals scored in first-half stoppage time by Tosin Adarabioyo and then Delap. Tyrique George added the third in injury time at the end of the game and the victory, achieved in front of 32,937 fans at Lincoln Financial Field, allowed Enzo Maresca's side to bounce back from a 3-1 loss to Flamengo last Friday. Chelsea therefore clinched second place in Group D behind the Brazilian giants while Esperance are eliminated. Chelsea will now travel south to Charlotte in North Carolina to face Benfica on Saturday, with the Portuguese club having earlier beaten Bayern Munich to top Group C. That will be a first meeting of the clubs since Chelsea beat Benfica in the 2013 Europa League final, and the winner of that tie will play either Palmeiras or Botafogo of Brazil in the last eight. Chelsea only needed a draw to advance and Maresca felt comfortable enough to make eight changes to his starting line-up following the Flamengo defeat. Delap, Enzo Fernandez and Malo Gusto were the only players to keep their places while Josh Acheampong was among the lesser-seen faces to get a chance. The 19-year-old right-back, making his 10th start in all competitions this season, came close with a shot saved low down by Esperance goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said on 36 minutes. Fernandez then shot wide from the edge of the box as Chelsea controlled the first half without overly troubling the Tunisian defence until the third minute of stoppage time. That was when Fernandez floated a free-kick into the area and Adarabioyo, up from the back, scored with a header into the bottom corner. Esperance needed to win the game and their hopes were as good as over as Chelsea scored again two minutes later. Fernandez, formerly of Benfica, was again the provider as he fed Delap, and the new signing from Ipswich Town controlled with his back to goal, turned and slotted a low shot into the net to get off the mark in his new colours. With temperatures still hovering close to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) late into the evening, conditions remained far from easy for the two sides. Both teams made changes, with defender Mamadou Sarr and Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos getting their first Chelsea minutes since joining from Strasbourg. Chelsea thought they had a penalty 15 minutes from time when the referee pointed to the spot as a Santos shot brushed the hand of Yassine Meriah -- but the award was overturned following a long VAR check. A third goal did finally arrive deep in injury time at the end of the game as George, another substitute, found the net with a shot that the goalkeeper should have kept out. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

A game played in sweaty conditions at the end of a blisteringly hot day in Philadelphia never really came to life and was decided by two goals scored in first-half stoppage time by Tosin Adarabioyo and then Delap

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