Samwise European Soccer Newsletter
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Switzerland Reach First World Cup Semi-Final Since 1954 After Penalty Win Over Colombia
Switzerland reached the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1954, defeating Colombia 0–0 (4–3 on penalties) in their quarter-final on July 7. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel was the standout performer, saving crucial penalties to secure the historic result. Rubén Vargas converted the decisive spot-kick to send Switzerland into the last four. It was Switzerland’s first ever penalty shootout win at a World Cup — they had previously lost to Ukraine on spot-kicks in 2006. Colombia’s impressive run at the tournament is over, with the South Americans exiting at the quarter-final stage.
Sources: ESPN Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Tottenham’s Dragusin Arrives in Florence for Fiorentina Medical
Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Radu Dragusin arrived in Florence on July 7 for his medical ahead of a season-long loan move to Fiorentina. The deal is worth €1.5 million as a loan fee, with an obligatory purchase clause of €17.5 million. The Romanian international joins La Viola as Fiorentina strengthen their defensive resources ahead of the new Serie A campaign. Dragusin’s arrival in Florence for his medical signals that the deal between the two clubs is close to being finalised. The Romanian defender joins La Viola on a deal worth €1.5m in loan fees with an obligatory purchase option of €17.5m, committing Fiorentina to a permanent acquisition.
Sources: Football Italia Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Sickness Bug Hits Norway Camp Ahead of World Cup Quarter-Final Against England
Norway’s preparations for their World Cup quarter-final against England on July 11 have been disrupted by a sickness bug sweeping through the squad. Jørgen Strand Larsen came down with a fever, while Marcus Holmgren Pedersen missed Norway’s round-of-16 victory over Brazil due to the illness, and his availability for the Miami quarter-final remains in doubt. Ola Solbakken has also been reported as coughing, with travel fatigue cited as a contributing factor. Erling Haaland, who has scored seven goals in the tournament, remains unaffected. Julian Ryerson is expected to deputise for Pedersen should he fail to recover in time.
Reece James in Race to Be Fit for England’s World Cup Quarter-Final Against Norway
England right-back Reece James is in a race to be fit for the World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami on July 11, having sustained a hamstring strain in an earlier match against Ghana. Thomas Tuchel’s defensive cover is already stretched, with Jarell Quansah suspended following his red card in England’s round-of-16 win over Mexico. The injury blow comes at a critical time as England prepare for the last eight. If James fails to recover, Tuchel will need to find a different solution at right-back against a formidable Norway side.
Sources: Sky Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Bellingham and Rice Among Five England Players One Yellow Card from World Cup Semi-Final Ban
Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are among five England players who risk missing the World Cup semi-final if booked against Norway on July 11. Bellingham was carded during England’s 2–1 round-of-32 win over DR Congo, while Rice collected a yellow in the opening minute of the 3–2 victory over Mexico — his previous group-stage booking having been cleared. Manchester City pair Marc Guéhi and Nico O’Reilly face the same predicament. Under FIFA rules, yellow cards accumulate from the round of 32 through to the quarter-finals before being wiped, meaning a booking against Norway would trigger an automatic semi-final suspension.
Juventus Confirm Massara as Chief Football Officer with Chiellini in New Club Affairs Role
Juventus confirmed the appointment of Frédéric Massara as Chief Football Officer on July 7. The 57-year-old, previously sporting director at AC Milan and AS Roma, will report directly to CEO Giovanni Carnevali and oversee Juventus’ men’s football division alongside Sporting Director Marco Ottolini. Giorgio Chiellini simultaneously takes on a newly created role as Chief Club Affairs Officer, tasked with representing Juventus with key institutions and stakeholders in Italy and internationally. CEO Carnevali said the club was building “a solid, competent and cohesive structure, capable of supporting our ambitions both now and in the future.” Juventus begin pre-season under Luciano Spalletti on July 13.
Sources: Football Italia Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
FIFA World Cup 2026 — Quarter-Finals
Completed
✅ Switzerland 0–0 Colombia (4–3 pens) — Switzerland advance — Jul 7
Upcoming
France vs Morocco — Jul 9 — Boston
Norway vs England — Jul 11 — Miami
Quarter-Final 4 — Upcoming
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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