Thursday cannon fodder: consecutive tirade holdup

World Cup

Jackie Groenen strike sinks Sweden and puts Netherlands into World Cup final | Football | The Guardian
Jackie Groenen’s extra-time goal gave the Dutch a 1-0 win in the semi-final in Lyon.

Megan Rapinoe to critics: I am ‘very deeply American’ | Pro Soccer USA
A lot of people are focusing on Megan Rapinoe right now.

Premier League/England

Manchester City pay £62.8m release clause for Atlético Madrid’s Rodri | Football | The Guardian
The Spanish defensive midfielder Rodri is poised to become Manchester City’s club-record signing after they paid his reported €70m (£62.8m) release clause.

Naby Keïta set to be fit for Liverpool’s pre-season tour despite Afcon injury | Football | The Guardian
The Liverpool midfielder Naby Keïta is expected to be fit for the club’s upcoming tour of the US.

Rodri: Manchester City pay £62.8m release clause for Atletico Madrid’s Spain midfielder - BBC Sport
Manchester City are set to sign Spain midfielder Rodri from Atletico Madrid for a club record £62.8m after paying his release clause, says the La Liga side.

Newcastle and the darkness of a thousand broken promises... - Football365
This is a sad, sad tale made even sadder by the £30m departure of Ayoze Perez.

Europe

Sources: Griezmann holding up Joao Felix move
Atletico Madrid’s €126 million move for Joao Felix is being held up as they wait for Antoine Griezmann to leave the club.

Gold Cup/Copa America/MLS/Americas

Chile eye ‘dream’ third consecutive title - BBC Sport
Reigning Copa America champions Chile are focused on making history in their semi-final with Peru.

Messi launches tirade at refs after Copa loss
Argentina captain Lionel Messi blasted the officiating after the team’s 2-0 loss to Brazil in the Copa America semifinals.

Other

Feint, twist, shimmy, shake: the genius of Jay-Jay Okocha - Football365
So good they named him twice. When you think AFCON, you think Jay-Jay.

Hayes and Carragher back campaign to end abuse of female footballers | Football | The Guardian
Leading names from women’s and men’s football have joined forces to back a campaign to end abuse, harassment and exploitation of female players.