Copa Drama, Wimbledon Emotions, and MLB Thrills: Sports Highlights

Current sports news includes Canada coach Jesse Marsch's disappointment at the US Copa performance, Argentina's penalty win over Ecuador, Djokovic and Swiatek's Wimbledon advances, Ian Happ's MLB feat, and more. Emotional moments ensue at Wimbledon as Andy Murray begins his farewell, with notable tennis and soccer matches also capturing attention.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Soccer-Canada coach Marsch disappointed with US performance at Copa America

Canada coach Jesse Marsch has spoken of his disappointment at the United States' poor performance at the Copa America as his side prepare to take on Venezuela in the quarter-finals at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Friday. The 50-year-old American coach led Canada to the last eight with a 1-0 win over Peru to finish second in Group A behind holders Argentina, while the U.S. failed to progress from the group stage after a 1-0 defeat by Uruguay.

Soccer-Martinez saves Argentina in Copa shootout win over Ecuador to reach semis

Argentina beat Ecuador 4-2 on penalties to move into the semi-finals of the Copa America on Thursday after goalkeeper Emi Martinez made two saves in the shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Lisandro Martinez's opener for Argentina was cancelled out by Kevin Rodriguez in stoppage time, and with no extra time at the Copa America apart from the final the match went straight to penalties.

Tennis-Djokovic, Swiatek advance before Wimbledon celebrates British hero Murray

Novak Djokovic survived a minor scare in his hunt for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon trophy before Iga Swiatek produced a more assured display to reach the third round on an emotional Thursday marked by the start of Andy Murray's farewell. Having announced that this year was his Wimbledon swansong, Murray ensured there was barely a dry eye on Centre Court where the two-times All England Club champion was celebrated by past and present Grand Slam winners after a doubles loss partnering his brother Jamie.

MLB roundup: Ian Happ homers from left, right side in Cubs' rout

Ian Happ hit a pair of three-run homers -- one from each side of the plate -- as the Chicago Cubs salvaged the series finale Thursday with a 10-2 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies. Happ was 4-for-4 with a career-high six RBIs. He homered off Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez in the fourth and right-hander Seranthony Dominguez in the fifth. The only other time Happ homered from each side was May 7, 2018, against the Marlins.

Soccer-Canada out to continue surprising Copa run against Venezuela

History is at stake for both Venezuela and Canada when they meet on Friday in Arlington, Texas, in the second Copa America quarter-final. Long considered one of the minnows of South American football, Venezuela would guarantee tying their best Copa America showing by advancing past Canada, ensuring they at least match their fourth-place finish in 2011.

Reports: G Buddy Hield joining Warriors in sign-and-trade deal

The Golden State Warriors are acquiring guard Buddy Hield in a sign-and-trade deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, multiple media outlets reported Thursday. In exchange for Hield, the Warriors are sending the Sixers a 2031 second-round pick they received from the Dallas Mavericks in the sign-and-trade deal for Klay Thompson.

Tennis-Alcaraz and Raducanu ready to take centre stage

Champion Carlos Alcaraz will be in pursuit of a 10th successive win at the All England Club when he faces American rival Frances Tiafoe in the third round, while Emma Raducanu will be hoping her Wimbledon adventure is not cut short on Friday. If their last duel is anything to go by, Centre Court fans should be in for a treat as Tiafoe went toe-to-toe with the Spaniard for five sets at the 2022 U.S. Open semi-finals before Alcaraz emerged victorious and went on to win the title.

Without Joey Chestnut, Nathan's event has new top dog

Even without its star on hand, the Nathan's Famous International Hot Eating Contest on Thursday at New York's Coney Island remained filled with gastrointestinal intrigue as Patrick Bertoletti tipped the scale in a close victory. After 16 Nathan's titles, Joey Chestnut was not on hand after he was banned from the competition because of his association with a plant-based food company: Impossible Foods.

Olympics-US still favourites to rule the pool, says elite Australian coach

Australian swimming is on the rise but the United States should still be rated as favourites to top the medal table once again at the Paris pool, said Michael Bohl, one of the world's top coaches. Powered by Bohl-prepared swimmers, Australia won a national record nine swimming titles at the Tokyo Games three years ago, finishing second to the United States, who won 11 golds.

Tennis-Murray's long farewell begins with emotional doubles defeat

It may not quite be the end for British great Andy Murray at Wimbledon but it felt like it as the 37-year-old received an emotional farewell after he and brother Jamie were beaten in the first round of the men's doubles on Thursday. Murray, regarded as one of his country's all-time great sportsmen, returned to the scene of his two Wimbledon titles barely two weeks after surgery to remove a spinal cyst.

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