Author: France 24

Argentina booked their place in the semi-finals with a dramatic 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals, with the Nati’s numerical disadvantage ultimately proving decisive. Despite Embolo’s dismissal reducing Switzerland to ten men, the Alpine underdogs fought valiantly before Argentina’s greater experience and depth secured passage to the final four.

The US Treasury Department has announced it will no longer allow Iranian oil sales to be conducted in US dollars on global markets after several tankers were hit by projectiles while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz. The move has left more than 60 million barrels of Iranian crude stranded at sea without any clear buyers. Also in this edition, we go inside a Chinese air conditioning factory racing to meet soaring European demand as heatwaves drive up sales.

A summer of music with Paris des Arts! On today’s show, we meet up with French rapper Kalash as well as singer Manon Lisa.

Every summer since 2009, residents of a Palestinian village in the Israeli-occupied West Bank have gathered for a kite festival. The event is held on land that they say has been partly lost since a settlement was established in 1983. The festival, while primarily for children, carries a “political message”, according to one of its organisers. 

Paris Saint Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz, who started ahead of Pedri, gave la Roja the lead in the 30th minute, capitalizing on a rebound off a Thibaud Courtois save. Belgium though brought it back level 11 minute later with a powerful De Ketelaere header, therefore ending Spain’s remarkable run of 649 minutes without conceding at a World Cup. The second half was tough for Belgium; especially after their star keeper Thibaud Courtois broke down in tears when he suffered what seemed to be a thigh injury and was taken off the pitch in the 77th minute. Manchester United goalie Senne…

Victor Wembanyama committed his long-term future to the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, signing a reported five-year, $252 million rookie maximum contract extension after telling fans: “I’m here to stay. Whatever it takes.”

Italy’s second biggest bank, Unicredit, is closing in on a takeover of Germany’s second biggest bank Commerzbank after saying it secured 47.6% of the lender’s shares on Wednesday. The move is facing widespread opposition in Germany, notably from the federal government, which has a 12% stake in the company. Also, new “freedom fuel” filling stations are appearing across the United States, offering cheaper petrol and receiving strong backing from the White House.

Paris has been hosting its autumn-winter couture collections amid simmering temperatures, with celebrities sporting parasols and fans as they watch the shows. Fashion journalist Alice Pfeiffer tells us why “Blazymania” has taken hold, as Chanel’s new artistic director continues his winning streak with designs inspired by Coco Chanel herself. At Dior, Jonathan Anderson presents an accessible, floral collection, while Pierpaolo Piccioli draws stars including Cynthia Erivo, Demi Moore and Teyana Taylor to the front row for his Balenciaga debut.

Israel has warned the United States of an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Donald Trump, adding to tensions after fresh US strikes on Iran cast further doubt over ceasefire efforts. FRANCE 24 correspondent Noga Tarnopolsky says it is unclear how seriously Washington views the alleged threat, adding that the timing of the revelation raises questions over whether the US deliberately allowed the intelligence to become public.

Morocco posed little attacking threat in the first half, spending much of it in a low block as they sought to withstand France’s relentless pressure. Kylian Mbappé won a penalty in the 28th minute after being fouled by Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui. Following a lengthy and controversial VAR check lasting more than three minutes, his spot-kick was comfortably saved by Yassine Bounou. The first half ended goalless, but the pattern of the match had already been established: Morocco failed to register a single shot on target. Mbappé made amends in the 60th minute with a superb curling effort that beat…