Wednesday cannon fodder: comfortable chatter permission

World Cup

Lieke Martens scores last-minute penalty and Dutch eliminate Japan | Football | The Guardian
Lieke Martens scored from the spot in the Netherlands’ last-16 victory over Japan at Roazhon Park in Rennes

Women’s World Cup 2019: Italy beat China 2-0 to seal quarter-final place - BBC Sport
Italy head coach Milena Bertolini says her players are on a “mission” to help the country “discover and appreciate the women’s game”.

What can difficult matches for France and the USWNT tell us about the World Cup favorites? | StatsBomb
Rather than their weaknesses being exposed, it was the areas where both teams were thought to be strongest where cracks emerged.

Megan Rapinoe isn’t here to make you comfortable - The Washington Post
The U.S. women’s soccer star is America, in all its unapologetic complications.

Premier League/England

Fee agreed as Spurs ‘close in’ on £8.5m deal for Leeds winger - Football365
Tottenham are getting closer to sealing a deal for Leeds United winger Jack Clarke, according to reports.

Furious Liverpool call Pepe chatter ‘pure lies’
Liverpool have labelled information suggesting they are in concrete talks with Lille over the transfer of Nicolas Pepe “pure lies.”

David Silva confirms he will leave Manchester City at end of next season | Football | The Guardian
David Silva has laid out his intentions to leave Manchester City at the end of next season, saying: ‘Ten years for me is enough’.

Chelsea get permission from Derby to hold Frank Lampard talks | Football | The Guardian
Chelsea have been granted permission by Derby to talk to Frank Lampard about their vacant manager’s job.

Hillsborough police chief will face retrial, judge rules | UK news | The Guardian
David Duckenfield was South Yorkshire police chief at 1989 cup tie that left 96 people dead.

Europe

Real Madrid to have women’s team after buying Deportivo Tacon - BBC Sport
Real Madrid will have a women’s team after agreeing a takeover of Primera Division side Deportivo Tacon.

Vincent Kompany: ‘Anderlecht can win Belgian title next season’ - BBC Sport
Player-manager Vincent Kompany says he is convinced he can lead Anderlecht to the Belgian title next season following a disastrous 2018-19 campaign.

Barcelona near €60m mark with Cillessen Gomes sales
Barcelona have confirmed the sale of Andre Gomes to Everton for €25 million, while Jasper Cillessen is in Valencia ahead of a €30m transfer.

Copa America/Gold Cup/MLS

Honduras 3-0 El Salvador | ESPN
Honduras ease to a win.

Jamaica vs. Curacao - Football Match Report - June 25, 2019 - ESPN
Curacao keep their advancement hopes alive.

AFCON/Rest of the World

Africa Cup of Nations: Holders Cameroon too strong for Guinea-Bissau - BBC Sport
Cameroon begin the defence of their Africa Cup of Nations crown with victory over Guinea-Bissau in Group F.

Other

The 14 best football adverts EVER | FourFourTwo
The Brazil one in the airport is one of my favorite commercials for anything ever.

The greatest goals never scored: Fernando Torres vs Real Madrid, 2009 - Planet Football
When Iker Casillas is turning to Fabio Cannavaro to do the universal hand signal for ‘calm the f*ck down’, you know something extraordinary has happened.