The World Cup just got harder for the U.S. But it was never going to be easy.

By Andrew Das from NYT Sports https://ift.tt/YQktUzP

One spot is taken. Three more are up for grabs.

By Claire Fahy from NYT Sports https://ift.tt/pen3ctM

Astros Pitcher Faces the Minimum in No-Hitter Against Cleveland

By Evan Easterling from NYT Sports https://ift.tt/VcoGA1v

Mets Continue to Deal, Sending Justin Verlander Back to Astros

By Tyler Kepner from NYT Sports https://ift.tt/JWIF5ar

Scoreless at halftime, which is a mini-victory for Portugal.

By Andrew Das from NYT Sports https://ift.tt/w15jPtJ

Portugal is looking to ‘surprise’ the United States but expects to see an improved version of it.

By Claire Fahy from NYT Sports https://ift.tt/3LJpcvB

The World Cup has been more balanced, but not for the reasons FIFA thinks.

By Rory Smith from NYT Sports https://ift.tt/1mR3ikC