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USMNT Defeat Bosnia 2-0 as Italy’s Absence Raises Questions in World Cup Shock Takeaways

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Things in Italy are worse than we thought.

That was one of the less expected but nonetheless obvious takeaways from the United States’ eminently comfortable 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday night in the round of 32 at the World Cup.

Because somehow, this very pedestrian Bosnian team got into the World Cup at Italy’s expense.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side deserve credit for not making the match harder than it had to be, even with Folarin Balogun’s unfortunate red card.

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That’s far from a given at a World Cup, even for the big boys. Just ask Spain, which settled for a draw in its opening match against Cape Verde, or England, which had to fight from 1-0 down against DR Congo for their round of 32 win.

And it was particularly impressive that the Americans didn’t appear rattled by Balogun’s 65th-minute dismissal, even if it meant they would have a bit less of the ball in the late going.

But if you were going to describe Bosnia’s attacking desire after going behind, you might liken it to their attitude toward possessing Adriatic coastline. Sure, they have a little. Other countries have a lot more.

That Italy lost a World Cup qualifying playoff to this pedestrian outfit — even on penalties — is truly a damning indictment of the part of the physical and intellectual soccer world that calls it Calcio.

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Yet maybe that’s fitting in a tournament where it feels like the whole Italian way of playing (read: aggressively conservative) is going by the wayside.

Bosnia may have out-Catenaccioed the Azzurri to reach their second World Cup, with the help of penalties and a first-half red card to Alessandro Bastoni in their playoff pathway final. But their progression to the knockout phase came primarily because of an exceptionally friendly group draw that featured zero opponents in the top 15 of the FIFA World Rankings, and only one in the top 25.

Ecuador entered as a popular dark-horse pick among pundits after their 19-match unbeaten run, despite scoring only once in their last five qualifying matches. They left as a fully exposed fraud that had leaned far too long on the 36-year-old Enner Valencia as a primary attacking threat.

And for all the pleasantness of their fans, Scotland were punished for their particularly dour tactics under now-former manager Steve Clarke, when they boasted a squad that should’ve been capable of more imagination.

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Conversely, the game’s attacking stars are seemingly all enjoying banner tournaments, led by Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, who have an astonishing 22 goals between them.

The Americans don’t have anyone on that level. But they do have enough talent collectively that, under the right guidance, they can express a vision of the game that collectively mirrors the artistry and optimism conjured by those individuals.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino has provided the necessary combination of structure and freedom, and they’ve responded so far, albeit against relatively limited opposition.

Other sides have also been rewarded for similar adventurousness. Even the upstart surprises that have exceeded expectations — like Cape Verde and DR Congo — have done so by offering more in the way of attacking endeavor than many expected.

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For the Americans, the challenges will quickly ramp up in difficulty. Belgium looms next in the round of 16, and heavily fancied Spain could be after that in a potential quarterfinal. And win or lose, it will begin to feel more like the World Cups of recent past vintage that we’re more familiar with.

Just without Italy in the picture. And based on the evidence available, that’s probably for the best.

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Former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn faces felony charge for allegedly vandalizing Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

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Former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn was indicted by a grand jury in Washington, D.C. on charges of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, according to court documents released on Thursday.

He was charged with “destruction of property $1,000 or more,” a felony.

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Hearn, 67, was arrested by U.S. Park police officers on June 19 after reaching into the Reflecting Pool. He claimed to the Washington Post that he reached into the pool to touch a piece of paint that had peeled off from the bottom of the basin and floated to the top of the water.

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The Reflecting Pool has been in the news since President Donald Trump announced that he would fix the “once beautiful” body of water in time for the United States’ 250th anniversary on July 4. The repair project was projected to cost $14 million.

However, the dark blue paint — intended to resemble the blue of the American flag — and coating to line the basin trapped heat from the sun and raised the temperature of the water. That allowed algae to bloom in the pool, turning the water a murky green color.

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Workers then treated the water with chlorine and hydrogen peroxide to reduce the algae. But those methods were unsuccessful. Those chemicals also caused the paint at the bottom of the basin to peel off in sheets and float to the top of the pool.

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The reflecting pool has been in the news recently for efforts from the Trump administration to make the water in the basin appear a clear blue, presumably to look at its best for the celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary on July 4. The repairs were projected to cost $14 million and have since surpassed that by at least $2 million.

President Trump blamed vandals for the setbacks with the Reflecting Pool. The National Park Service alleged that the sealant was cut with knives or razors. Hearn was one of the first people to be charged with destruction of government property. Federal officials arrested six others on charges of vandalizing the pool, according to the New York Times.

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 27: Police patrol as people view the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool from behind a fence on June 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. Fencing has been installed around the area after claims made by President Trump that vandalism was the cause of the damage. (Photo by Tierney L. Cross/Getty Images)

Police guard the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool from behind a fence, installed after claims by President Trump that vandals damaged the water and basin. (Photo by Tierney L. Cross/Getty Images)

(Tierney L. Cross via Getty Images)

U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro said she was examining the other cases, some of which would be charged as misdemeanors.

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Hearn — not to be confused with PGA golfer David Hearncompeted in three Olympic Games in the canoe slalom, finishing ninth in the C-1 race at the 1996 Atlanta Games. He also raced in the 1992 Barcelona and 2000 Sydney Olympics. Hearn also won six consecutive world championships in the C-1 team competition from 1979 to 1989, and two individual titles in 1985 and 1995.

“I didn’t vandalize anything,” Hearn told the Washington Post at the time. “I didn’t destroy or break or peel anything. By the time I realized what was going on, I was being put in handcuffs.”

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How Nigerians Reacted to Daniel Daga’s Acquittal From Sexual Assault Allegations

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Nigerians have taken to social media to react after Molde FK announced that Nigerian midfielder Daniel Daga had been acquitted of sexual assault allegations by the Frostating Court of Appeal.

The decision means the 19-year-old, who has been out of action for 11 months, is now available for selection again for the Norwegian club.

Following the announcement on Thursday, several football administrators, sports personalities and fans shared their views on social media.

  • Daniel Daga joins FK MoldeDaniel Daga joins FK Molde

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Moments after FC ONE Rocket confirmed Daniel Daga’s transfer to Norwegian club FK Molde, the player’s long-time mentor, Rt. Hon. Nse Essien, expressed his joy and excitement on social media.Moments after FC ONE Rocket confirmed Daniel Daga’s transfer to Norwegian club FK Molde, the player’s long-time mentor, Rt. Hon. Nse Essien, expressed his joy and excitement on social media.

 

Leading the reactions was Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Board member, Otuekong Nse Essien, who discovered and mentored Daga. He wrote:

“GLORY…GLORY..GLORY..GLORY BE UNTO THE MOST HIGH”

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The Media Manager of NWFL club Ibom Angels, Edidiong Stephen, welcomed the midfielder back, writing:

“Welcome back, star boy!”

Veteran photojournalist Jimoh Otisoro simply posted:

“Congratulations”

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The General Manager of Daga’s parent club in Nigeria, FC ONE Rocket, Honourable Ubong Essien, wrote:

“Congratulations to FC ONE Rocket”

US-based sports enthusiast Akparawa Uduakobong Ubon called for better guidance for young players moving abroad. He wrote:

“There should be a mentorship program and training for these children per ways of life when they sign their professional contract abroad. I wish him the BEST.”

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Former Nigeria youth international Edidiong Ezekiel also congratulated the midfielder, writing:

“Congratulations Daniel”

Several other Nigerians also shared their reactions to the news.

Wilshere Johnson wrote:

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“God is so faithful, congratulations to Daga and the indomitable family”

Dodeye Florence said:

“Thank God. Please be careful”

David Oge advised:

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“Congratulations starboy. Abeg use ur brain for does girls o.”

Sultan Unyime Henry wrote:

“Go and Sin no more”

Kufre Etiminyang posted:

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“UNLESS THEY KILL GOD! Congratulations Daga. Glory be to God.”

Isaac James Atanyi wrote:

“Congratulations to him”

Mustapha Alhassan said:

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“Masha Allah best wishes”

Igor Eze advised the player to leave Norway, writing:

“Better leave that country now b/4 they come after you again, God almighty have saved you.”

Eghiemheyor Ernest described the experience as:

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“Big lesson for him”

Idongesit Idong wrote:

“You see, they wanted to frustrate him & his career. He should be compensated, a good russssh for him!!!!.”

Victor Odinakachukwu questioned the outcome for the complainant, asking:

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“So, the accuser will just go like that?”

Akinfewa Akinyele also asked:

“Any compensation for him?”

Uzoma Ernest highlighted the time Daga spent away from football, writing:

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“they just paused his career for 11 months”

Peter Chekwugbe Abugu expressed concern about the impact on Daga’s career, stating:

“So damage already done to his promising career. This case is the reason Daniel hasn’t made a name for himself since he moved to Europe. I pray he recovers his shine.”

Comr Gift Ogberahwe urged the midfielder to focus on his career, writing:

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“This should be a lesson to you…. Focus on your career leave oyibo women alone..God just gave you a second chance please cherish it”

Daniel Daga joins FK MoldeDaniel Daga joins FK Molde

Molde FK confirmed on Thursday that Daga had won his appeal and had been acquitted by the Frostating Court of Appeal. The club also announced that the Nigerian midfielder is now available for selection as they await the final judgment in the case.

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WE’RE GETTING A BANGER OF A DRAMA

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tvN has unveiled the first teaser for its upcoming weekend drama 100 Days of Lies on July 2, 2026, offering viewers their first look at the historical espionage series. It is an upcoming South Korean romantic action thriller set during the Japanese colonial era. The drama stars Kim You-jung and GOT7’s Jinyoung (Park Jin-young) in the lead roles along with Kim Hyun-joo, Lee Moo-saeng, and Jin Seon-kyu.

Released exactly 100 days before its premiere, the preview introduced the central characters, their hidden identities and the world they inhabit. Set in 1932 Gyeongseong during the Japanese occupation, the teaser recreates the era with detailed visuals of Gyeongseong Station, Japanese police and the Government-General building. The short preview establishes a tense atmosphere while setting the atmosphere of a story of secret missions, political conflict as well as romance.

Throughout the teaser, brief moments build suspense and highlights the central themes of espionage, survival, sacrifice, and romance. It first introduces Kim You-jung playing Lee Ga-gyeong looking at the Government-General building.

She is the city’s most skilled pickpocket, who has secret mission and moves cautiously through enemy territory. She is seen crossing paths with Kim Tae-woong, played by Jinyoung. Their encounter hints at an unpredictable relationship that develops amid growing danger.

The teaser also introduces the other key figures like Yoo So-ran played by Kim Hyun-joo, Lee Moo-saeng’s Yoo Philip and Jin Seon-kyu playing Sato Shinichi. The closing moments show Kim You-jung’s Lee Ga-gyeong staring at someone with tears in her eyes as a gun is aimed at her, leaving viewers questioning the circumstances behind the emotional confrontation.

Soon after 100 Days of Lies’s teaser was released, it generated discussion across social media. Fans took to social media to share their excitement over the drama’s production quality, historical setting, and specifically cast lineup. They expressed anticipation for the series’ premiere. One fan wrote,

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“THE ACTORS ARE ACTORINGGGG OH WE’RE GETTING A BANGER OF A DRAMA.”

THE ACTORS ARE ACTORINGGGG 😭🔥 OH WE’RE GETTING A BANGER OF A DRAMA. #100일의거짓말 #김유정 #박진영 #김현주 #이무생 #진선규

Viewers continued praising 100 Days of Lies‘s teaser’s visuals and the performances shown in the brief preview, saying they were looking forward to seeing Kim You-jung and Jinyoung back on the screen.

NO FVCKING WAY!?!!! i’m literally screaming kim yoojung you’re crazy

AAAAAAAAA FINALLY JINYOUNG NEW KDRAMA AAAA OMG SO HANDSOME LOOK HIS ACTING EYES 100 Days of Lies D-100 Teaser! OMGGGGG #Jinyoung #진영 @JINYOUNG #GOT7 #100DaysofLies #100일의거짓말

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100 days more of waiting… 😭 But atleast now we got a teaser! So excited for Yoojung’s comeback! It’s been almost a year now since Dear X! 🤩

PARK JINYOUNG X KIM YOUJUNG WAS NOT ON MY BINGO LIST BJIR WOOOOOOOOHHH AKAN GW TONTOOOOOOON

Many viewers also praised the star-studded cast, saying the lineup has raised their expectations for the series. Some also praised tvN’s decision to release the preview exactly 100 days before the premiere, calling it a creative promotional move. Several fans said the teaser alone had heightened their anticipation for the drama’s debut.

BRUH??? the teaser dropping exactly 100 days before the premiere??? that’s such a genius promotion. kudos to tvN and everyone behind 100 Days of Lies. October, please come faster. Kim Yoo Jung and the entire cast are about to EAT every single scene.

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insane casting, they’re going to serve acting hard, can’t wait for 10th October! #100DaysofLies #100일의거짓말

Even with a teaser that has no dialogue and just shows the actors’ faces, you can feel the grandeur.


100 Days of Lies: Plot, cast, premiere date, and everything to know about Kim You-jung and GOT7’s Jinyoung’s historical spy romance

100 Days of Lies (100일의 거짓말) set in Gyeongseong in 1932, follows Lee Ga-gyeong, the city’s most talented pickpocket and con artist. Hoping to earn enough money to leave Joseon and begin a new life overseas, she accepts an offer from the independence movement to infiltrate the Japanese Government-General of Joseon.

Disguised as an interpreter, she agrees to serve as a “fake spy” for 100 days. However, as her mission progresses, she becomes deeply involved in the resistance and starts passing valuable intelligence to the independence army. The situation forces her to choose between personal survival and a greater cause.

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While carrying out her dangerous assignment, Ga-gyeong meets Kim Tae-woong, also known as Sato Hideo, an elite interpreter who works inside the Government-General. Fluent in Korean, Japanese and English, he returns to Joseon after spending more than a decade abroad. He is entrusted with an important role within the colonial administration.

As the adopted son of Inspector-General Sato Shinichi, Tae-woong finds himself caught between his responsibilities and the growing secrets surrounding Ga-gyeong. Their relationship gradually develops into a romance as hidden identities, conflicting loyalties, and espionage place both of them in increasing danger.

Kim You-jung as Lee Ga-gyeong and GOT7’s Jinyoung as Kim Tae-woong lead the series. The supporting cast includes Kim Hyun-joo as Yoo So-ran, a sniper in the anti-Japanese resistance determined to avenge her past.

Lee Moo-saeng plays Phillip Yoo, a Gyeongseong correspondent for an American news agency who supports Korea’s independence movement. Jin Seon-kyu plays Sato Shinichi, the ambitious Inspector-General of Korea and Tae-woong’s adoptive father, whose pursuit of power makes him one of the resistance’s primary targets.

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Blending romance, espionage, action, and historical drama, 100 Days of Lies follows characters navigating deception, political conflict, and personal sacrifice during one of Korea’s most turbulent periods. Against the backdrop of the independence movement, the series explores how secret missions, hidden identities, and growing emotions reshape the lives of those fighting on opposite sides of the colonial divide.

100 Days of Lies also becomes another collaboration between director Yoo In-shik, known for Dr. Romantic, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, and The Wonderfools, and writer Ryu Bo-ri, who previously penned Do You Like Brahms?. 100 Days of Lies will consist of 16 episodes and is set to debut on tvN on October 10, 2026.

The season is expected to conclude on November 29, 2026, with each episode running for around 70 minutes. 100 Days of Lies will follow a Saturday-Sunday broadcast schedule, with episodes also streaming on Netflix after their television airing.