Infantino controversy erupts, Kane seeking history-defining moment against Messi

The road to World Cup glory delivered another dose of drama, as back-to-back finalists France slumped at the penultimate hurdle.

With one legend chasing immortality, another searching for his defining moment and controversy abundant, the stage looks set for a memorable conclusion to football’s biggest tournament.

Read on as we break down the latest twists from North America.

Infantino facing calls for IOC investigation

FairSquare, a non-profit organisation and advocacy group, has reportedly urged the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to investigate whether FIFA president Gianni Infantino had a role in the decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban.

Infantino, who’s also an IOC member, has come under heavy scrutiny this summer over several controversial World Cup moments.

Balogun was sent off during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina in the round of 32 for a brutal tackle on Tarik Muharemovic. He was staring down the barrel of at least a one-game ban.

However, FIFA’s disciplinary committee shockingly suspended the sanction, with US president Donald Trump later admitting he had called Infantino to ask for the case to be reviewed.

One of the most bizarre decisions in World Cup history made Balogun available for the round-of-16 clash against Belgium, but it didn’t help Mauricio Pochettino’s side avoid a heavy defeat.

FairSquare argues that any involvement by the 56-year-old Italian following Trump’s request would represent a breach of neutrality and call the integrity of the sport into question.

Golden chance for England captain

Harry Kane has been one of England’s standout performers in North America, scoring six goals in six matches, including a match-winning brace against DR Congo in the round of 32.

Kane’s clutch performance in the first knockout round probably saved Thomas Tuchel’s job. The Bayern Munich striker refused to rest on his laurels, delivering again in the last-16.

In addition to setting up Jude Bellingham for England’s second goal, he converted a crucial penalty to inspire the Three Lions to a pulsating victory over co-hosts Mexico at the famous Azteca Stadium.

With 73 goals in 64 appearances for club and country, Kane is one of the leading Ballon d’Or contenders, and the crowning moment of his stellar career could come this week.

Leading England to their first World Cup triumph since 1966 would almost certainly cement Kane’s status as the front-runner for this year’s award, but the task ahead is nothing short of Herculean.

To become the best, you have to beat the best. There is no greater test than overcoming Lionel Messi and the reigning world champions on football’s biggest stage.

However, if Kane is to reach the level of Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, this is the opportunity he cannot afford to squander.

It’s now or never for one of the most complete strikers football has ever seen.

France denied historic feat

Didier Deschamps’ landmark day turned into a disappointing farewell as France’s World Cup dream ended in the semi-finals just as he became the first-ever manager to take charge of 26 World Cup matches.

Les Bleus headed into proceedings as favourites to become only the third team to reach three consecutive finals.

They won all six previous games at the tournament, scoring an impressive 16 goals and conceding just two.

Spain were unfazed by France’s pre-match favouritism as they thoroughly outclassed the two-time world champions in Dallas, strolling to a well-deserved 2-0 victory.

Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro on either side of half-time fired La Furia Roja into their first World Cup final since winning the trophy in 2010, leaving Deschamps empty-handed.

With Lamine Yamal and Kane still vying for the most coveted title football has to offer, Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise can probably wave goodbye to their Ballon d’Or dream.

Yamal endured another frustrating night by his lofty standards, but he will have one more chance to put things right with a World Cup final offering the perfect opportunity to strengthen his claim.

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What to watch

Messi may have slipped out of the Ballon d’Or conversation, but he won’t go down without a fight.

There’s nothing left to conquer for the Argentina talisman after La Albiceleste’s triumph in Qatar four years ago.

However, the 39-year-old will have a special motive against England.

Diego Maradona earned his legendary status with his iconic performance against the Three Lions in 1986, and Messi can write his own chapter against the same opponents.

Will we witness another ‘Messi moment’ or will England write a different ending to this historic rivalry?