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Spain is heading to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in fifteen years, and it took a late-game moment of brilliance to get them there. Substitute Mikel Merino found the net deep in the second half, sending Spain past Portugal one-nil and ending Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career in the process. The European champions will face either the United States or Belgium on Friday, and the soccer world is paying attention.
Speaking of the Americans, there is a reason you keep hearing John Denver echoing through World Cup stadiums on the west coast. After each United States victory, players and fans have erupted into a full-throated rendition of Take Me Home Country Roads, the classic West Virginia anthem. It started organically and has become a genuine tradition, a rallying cry that is equal parts bizarre and completely electric.
Off the field, a sobering development out of the NFL. Former Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold, just twenty-three years old, has cleared waivers and is now a free agent after being arrested in Tampa on felony charges of armed robbery and kidnapping. The Lions released him following the arrest, and no team claimed him off waivers, leaving his professional future deeply uncertain.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
