¡Gooooal!

Spain spoiled France’s Bastille Day, beating Les Bleus 2-0 to reach their first World Cup final since 2010.

La Roja now shares longest-international-winning-streak rights with Italy (37), gracias a thanks to its record-tying sixth shutout of the Cup and Mikel Oyarzabal’s PK giving France its first (and last) deficit of the tournament.

With France’s Kylian Mbappé held scoreless, Lionel Messi can claim the top spot in pursuit of the Golden Boot if he finds the back of the net. Lionel’s Argentina will meet England’s Three Lions in Atlanta for the Cup’s final semifinal today.

On the diamond, Jordan Walker won Monday’s Home Run Derby in Philadelphia. The St. Louis slugger hit six straight dingers in a dramatic comeback to upset hometown favorite Kyle Schwarber through a chorus of Philly fans’ boos (hear here).

CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Sports are exciting because their win-lose nature makes for high drama. But we’d be wise to reflect on the ways our faith is not a win-lose game. God’s blessing isn’t a finite pie to split in ever-smaller slices until it runs out… It’s an unending feast, and Jesus’ salvation is available to all who repent, not just the winners.

“How priceless your faithful love is, God! They are filled from the abundance of your house. You let them drink from your refreshing stream. For the wellspring of life is with you. By means of your light we see light.”
Psalm 36:7-9 (CSB) (read full passage)