Nagelsmann’s departure and Germany’s World Cup exit

Julian Nagelsmann has resigned from his position as head coach of the Germany men’s national team following their early exit from the World Cup. The German Football Association (DFB) confirmed his resignation on Friday, four days after the team was knocked out by Paraguay in the round of 32. This defeat, which occurred after a 1-1 draw and a penalty shootout, marked Germany‘s first-ever penalty shootout loss at a FIFA World Cup.

Nagelsmann‘s request to be relieved of his duties came on Thursday. The DFB granted this request and terminated their contractual relationship with the 38-year-old former Bayern Munich boss. This early departure from the tournament signifies Germany‘s third consecutive World Cup campaign ending before the round of 16, following similar outcomes in 2018 and 2022.

Initially, Nagelsmann had expressed his determination to remain in charge, stating after the match against Paraguay, “I’m not someone who runs away.” However, after reflection and consultation with trusted individuals, he decided to step down. He stated that his top priority has always been the team’s success and that after such a bitter disappointment, the team deserves a fresh start.

The DFB president, Bernd Neuendorf, acknowledged Nagelsmann‘s commitment and ambition, stating that the decision deserved respect as he was taking responsibility. Neuendorf also mentioned that the team’s performance at the World Cup did not meet their standards and that discussions would take place to understand why the team failed to live up to expectations.

Klopp emerges as a potential successor

Following Nagelsmann‘s resignation, the DFB has announced its intention to seek talks with Jurgen Klopp regarding the vacant head coach position. The DFB stated that Klopp has already indicated a general willingness to consider taking on the role. Klopp, who previously managed Liverpool for nine years, stepped down from that role in 2024 and became Red Bull‘s head of global football in January 2025.

During his time at Anfield, Klopp led Liverpool to seven major honours, including the Premier League title in 2019-20 and the Champions League in 2019. Despite being linked with a return to club management, most notably with Real Madrid in March, Klopp dismissed these reports as “nonsense.”

Klopp‘s presence at the World Cup, where he worked as a pundit for German television, had already drawn attention. Before Germany‘s opening game, he discussed preferred line-ups with former Germany striker Thomas Muller, making a comment that hinted at his potential future involvement with the national team. He later apologised for the remark, explaining it was a slip of the tongue.

Having taken time away from the daily demands of managing a top-flight club, it appears the former Borussia Dortmund and Mainz boss may be ready to return to coaching in the international arena. The DFB’s confirmation of his willingness to consider the role suggests a significant development in the search for Nagelsmann‘s replacement.

Team performance and tactical concerns

Germany‘s performance in the World Cup has been a subject of scrutiny. The team had topped their group after victories against Curacao and Ivory Coast but showed an unconvincing display in their defeat to Ecuador in the final group-stage match. The subsequent loss to Paraguay on penalties led to their elimination from the tournament.

Tactical decisions made by Nagelsmann also drew criticism. These included playing captain Joshua Kimmich as a right-back instead of his usual midfield role, bringing Galatasaray winger Leroy Sane back into the starting line-up, and recalling 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer despite Oliver Baumann having played in all six World Cup qualifiers.

This was Nagelsmann‘s second major tournament with Germany, having previously led the team to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals as hosts, where they lost to eventual winners Spain in extra time. Germany has not won a World Cup knockout game since being crowned champions in 2014.

The DFB’s sporting director, Rudi Voller, acknowledged the disappointing World Cup exit and respected Nagelsmann‘s decision to take responsibility. He added that while a different outcome was desired, Nagelsmann remains an excellent coach. The DFB will now proceed with talks with Jurgen Klopp.

Source: bbc.com

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Incident outside team hotel

An incident occurred outside the Egypt national team‘s hotel in Dallas, involving a member of the Egyptian delegation and a US police officer. The confrontation took place as players were interacting with fans gathered for photos and autographs ahead of their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match against Australia. A video shared on social media captured the situation, which quickly escalated before security and team officials intervened to separate those involved. No arrests or injuries were reported following the incident.

The Egypt national team‘s arrival in Dallas was intended to be a celebratory occasion before their knockout stage match at AT&T Stadium. A significant number of supporters, including children, had gathered outside the hotel, hoping to meet their favorite players. Among the players greeting fans was winger Trezeguet, who was seen signing an autograph and taking a selfie with a young fan.

Moments later, Egypt team director Ibrahim Hassan approached the same area. The situation reportedly changed rapidly when a US police officer, responsible for security, engaged with Hassan. Video footage appears to show the officer pushing the former Egypt international backward while instructing people to move away from the area. The confrontation became physical, prompting several Egypt players and staff to rush to the scene.

A brief struggle ensued as both sides attempted to manage the situation. Throughout the exchange, the officer repeatedly instructed those present to maintain their distance and step back from what was designated as a restricted area. The tense moment lasted for approximately half a minute before other security personnel and members of the Egypt delegation intervened. They successfully separated everyone involved and escorted the Egyptian officials away from the hotel entrance, bringing the confrontation to an end.

Egyptian Football Association clarifies

The Egyptian Football Association issued a statement denying reports of a major confrontation between Ibrahim Hassan, the team manager, and a security guard at the team’s hotel. The association confirmed that the event was a minor altercation that was quickly resolved. According to the federation’s media center, the incident began when an Egyptian child was pushed by a security member while attempting to take a photograph with the national team players.

The statement further explained that Ibrahim Hassan intervened immediately to protect the child and prevent any harm. This intervention led to a brief verbal exchange with the security guard. The situation was then quickly de-escalated without any further escalation. The federation emphasized that reports circulating about a crisis within the team’s accommodation were unfounded. They also confirmed that the team’s preparations for the upcoming match are proceeding as scheduled.

Team’s focus on World Cup campaign

Despite the off-field incident, the Egypt national team remains focused on its historic World Cup campaign. The team advanced to the Round of 32 after securing second place in Group G. Their group stage performance included a draw against Belgium, a victory over New Zealand, and another draw against Iran, which secured their qualification.

Historically, Egypt had not won a World Cup match prior to this tournament. Captain Mohamed Salah has been a key figure in Egypt‘s success, contributing one goal and providing two assists during the group stage. The team will now rely on their star player as they prepare to face Australia for a spot in the last 16.

Ibrahim Hassan, a respected figure in Egyptian football, played 131 international matches for his country. His twin brother, Hossam Hassan, is currently Egypt‘s head coach for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Neither the Egyptian Football Association nor local authorities released detailed statements immediately after the incident, and there were no reports of disciplinary action or arrests.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has progressed to the knockout stages, with the Round of 32 now largely concluded. After 72 group games involving 48 teams, the competition has moved into the elimination rounds, which have already delivered some dramatic results and confirmed several teams for the Round of 16.

The top two teams from each of the 12 groups, alongside the eight best third-placed teams, secured their advancement from the group stage. These included teams such as Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, Morocco, USA, Australia, Germany, Ivory Coast, Netherlands, Japan, Belgium, Egypt, Spain, Cape Verde, France, Norway, Senegal, Argentina, Austria, Colombia, Portugal, England, Croatia, Ghana, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Paraguay, Ecuador, Sweden, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Algeria.

Key Results from the Round of 32

The initial knockout matches have proven unpredictable. Canada made history by securing their first knockout stage victory, defeating South Africa 1-0 in extra time to claim a spot in the Round of 16. Brazil also advanced after a tense encounter against Japan, with Gabriel Martinelli securing a 2-1 victory in Houston after Casemiro leveled the game following Kaishu Sano’s opening goal.

However, some major teams faced early exits. Germany was eliminated from the World Cup after losing to Paraguay on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Boston. Similarly, the Netherlands exited the tournament, falling to Morocco on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in Guadalupe, Mexico. Other results included Norway’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, France’s victory against Sweden, and Mexico’s win over Ecuador.

Further matches saw England defeat DR Congo 2-1, Belgium overcome Senegal 3-2, and the United States secure a win against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Spain advanced with a victory over Austria, Portugal beat Croatia 2-1, and Switzerland defeated Algeria. The remaining matches on July 3 include Australia vs. Egypt, Argentina vs. Cape Verde, and Colombia vs. Ghana.

Teams Advancing to the Round of 16

As the Round of 32 concludes, several teams have already secured their places in the next stage. These include Canada, Brazil, Paraguay, Morocco, Norway, France, Mexico, England, Belgium, United States, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland.

The Round of 16 is scheduled to begin on Saturday, July 4, with two matches. The first game will feature Canada vs. Morocco at 1 p.m. at NRG Stadium in Houston. The second fixture on the same day will see Paraguay vs. France at 5 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

On Sunday, July 5, Brazil will face Norway at 4 p.m. at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, followed by Mexico vs. England at 8 p.m. at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City. Monday, July 6, will feature Portugal vs. Spain at 3 p.m. at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and the United States vs. Belgium at 8 p.m. at Lumen Field in Seattle.

The schedule continues on Tuesday, July 7, with the winner of the Argentina/Cape Verde match playing the winner of the Australia/Egypt match at noon at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Later that day, Switzerland will play the winner of the Colombia/Ghana match at 4 p.m. at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada.

The final matches of the Round of 32 are set for July 3.

Source: aljazeera.com

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Spain secured a place in the World Cup last 16 after a 3-0 victory over Austria. The win marks Spain’s first knockout stage victory since 2010. Mikel Oyarzabal scored two goals, while Pedro Porro contributed his first senior international goal for his country. Coach Luis de la Fuente described the performance as “almost perfect.”

Spain maintained a clean sheet for the fourth consecutive game, with Unai Simón surpassing Iker Casillas‘s 2010 record. The central defensive partnership of Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte continued to impress. Full-backs Marc Cucurella and Porro were noted for their strong performances, contributing to Spain’s 64% possession and 10 shots on target out of 23 total shots.

Dominant Performance on the Field

The match began with an early battle between Konrad Laimer and Lamine Yamal. Yamal’s shot in the opening minute, following a counter-attack, set the tone. De la Fuente had anticipated Austria’s high press, a strategy that suited Spain’s playing style, allowing them space to move the ball quickly and stretch the pitch. Early chances predominantly favoured Spain, including a volley from Dani Olmo that was inadvertently blocked by Oyarzabal, and a header from Laporte that went over the bar.

Austria also had an opportunity when Laimer advanced, and Marcel Sabitzer delivered an inswinging cross that narrowly eluded Michael Gregoritsch. Spain continued to press, and a goal from Cucurella was disallowed after the referee, Glenn Nyberg, ruled that Cubarsí was too close to the goalkeeper, Alex Schlager, as the ball dropped. Despite the decision, Spain’s persistence paid off in the 36th minute when Pedri found Cucurella, whose low delivery was converted by Oyarzabal.

Austria attempted to accelerate their play, but Spain responded with strong defensive commitment. Porro, Rodri, and Olmo were instrumental in recovering possession and thwarting Austrian attacks. A free-kick from Álex Baena struck the crossbar, and a subsequent effort from Yamal was saved by Schlager.

Austria’s World Cup Journey Ends

In the second half, Spain maintained their dominance. Austria’s ambition shifted towards weathering the storm, though they had a chance to equalise when Sabitzer found Sasa Kalajdzic, whose header went over the bar. Kalajdzic had only been on the pitch for a minute, having scored a 96th-minute goal in a previous match that secured Austria’s place in this game.

Spain continued to create opportunities. An effort from Olmo was blocked but the ball was recovered and fed to Baena, who pulled it back for Porro to head home. Oyarzabal then completed his brace, finishing a move that started with Simón and showcased Spain’s fluid play. This victory concludes Austria’s first World Cup knockout appearance in 44 years.

For this match, Spain made two changes to their starting lineup, with Pedro Porro and Dani Olmo replacing Marcos Llorente and Mikel Merino, who were moved to the bench. Lamine Yamal, who has scored a goal in three appearances in the tournament, started in attack alongside Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal, as Nico Williams is recovering from a leg injury. Austria made three changes, bringing in Kevin Danso, Paul Wanner, and Michael Gregoritsch, while Phillip Mwene, Philipp Lienhart, and Marko Arnautovic were on the bench.

Source: theguardian.com

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The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues with a busy schedule for the round of 32, featuring matches across North America. Among the key fixtures, Portugal will face Croatia at Toronto Stadium, Ontario, Canada, on Thursday.

This match is part of a day that also includes Spain against Austria at Los Angeles Stadium and Switzerland versus Algeria at BC Place Vancouver. The tournament has already seen a mix of unexpected results and late comebacks, adding to the excitement.

Portugal and Croatia’s historical encounters

Historically, Portugal has maintained an advantage over Croatia. In their 10 meetings across all competitions, Portugal has only lost once. They remain unbeaten in six competitive encounters, securing five wins and one draw.

According to pre-match simulations, Portugal is considered the favourite to advance. The Opta supercomputer, after running 25,000 simulations, gave Portugal a 54.5 percent chance of winning within 90 minutes. Croatia‘s chances of victory in normal time were rated at 20.4 percent, with 25.1 percent of simulations ending in a draw, potentially leading to extra time or penalties.

The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo in Toronto has generated considerable excitement. On Wednesday, fans gathered along highways, in downtown areas, and on high-rise buildings, hoping to see the Portugal captain. This marks Ronaldo‘s return to Toronto, where he last played in 2009 during a pre-season friendly with Real Madrid at the same stadium.

The match is anticipated to be one of Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearances, further intensifying fan interest. Ticket prices for the match on resale platforms have reportedly surged, with the average cost of the cheapest available ticket reaching over $3,000 on Saturday.

Other key matches and tournament developments

In other round of 32 action, Spain is favoured against Austria. The Opta supercomputer predicted a 70.6 percent chance of Spain winning within 90 minutes, based on 25,000 simulations. Austria had a 12.2 percent chance of winning, with 17.3 percent of simulations resulting in a draw. Factoring in extra time and penalties, Spain‘s probability of reaching the last 16 is 79.5 percent, while Austria‘s is 20.5 percent.

Switzerland will face Algeria in their first competitive meeting. They have previously played two friendly matches, with Switzerland winning both: 2-1 in 1983 and 2-0 three years later. Switzerland is also favoured to progress, with a 49.5 percent chance of winning in 90 minutes, compared to Algeria‘s 23.9 percent. A draw occurred in 26.6 percent of simulations.

Several teams have already secured their spots in the round of 16. These include Canada, Brazil, Paraguay, Morocco, Norway, France, Mexico, England, and the USA. Teams that have been eliminated so far include South Africa, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, Ivory Coast, Sweden, Ecuador, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In a notable match, Harry Kane scored two late goals to help England come from behind and beat the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1, securing their place in the last 16. This dramatic comeback led to celebrations among England players and fans, who sang “Wonderwall” after the final whistle.

The World Cup has also seen some controversy. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw expressed frustration after his team’s dramatic loss to Belgium. Senegal was leading 2-0 in the 85th minute but ultimately lost 3-2 in extra time after a VAR-reviewed penalty decision. Thiaw and defender Krepin Diatta felt the penalty was harsh and that the team lost focus in the closing stages.

Meanwhile, Iran‘s football team was welcomed home by hundreds of fans in Tehran after their World Cup exit. In Mexico City, four people died during celebrations following Mexico‘s win over Ecuador, which secured their place in the round of 16.

The match between Portugal and Croatia is set to begin at 7pm local time (23:00 GMT) on Thursday.

Source: aljazeera.com

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In the second unofficial Test against India A in Galle, Sri Lanka A captain Sahan Arachchige scored an unbeaten 83 runs, guiding his team to 288 for 5 at stumps on the opening day. Despite efforts from India A bowlers Yash Thakur and Saransh Jain, who each took two wickets, Sri Lanka A maintained control after recovering from an initial steady start.

Arachchige’s innings, which included nine fours and a six from 148 balls, was crucial. He also formed a significant 99-run partnership for the fifth wicket with wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara. Bandara contributed 42 runs before being bowled by off-spinner Jain.

India A Bowlers Make Inroads

Yash Thakur finished the day with figures of 2 for 32 from 14 overs, while Saransh Jain recorded 2 for 77 from 24 overs. Fast bowler Gurnoor Brar also claimed one wicket, conceding 49 runs in 15 overs. Leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari, playing his first red-ball match in six years, went wicketless, giving away 64 runs from his 16 overs.

On a slow Galle pitch, wickets proved challenging to secure. Sri Lanka A openers Pawantha Weerasinghe and Sohan di Livera established a 53-run partnership for the first wicket. Thakur eventually provided India A with a breakthrough when Di Livera edged a ball to Devdutt Padikkal at slip.

Weerasinghe batted through most of the morning session before Brar dismissed him just before lunch, with the left-hander edging behind to captain and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Following this, Nuwanidu Fernando and Ashen Bandara added 57 runs for the third wicket, further solidifying Sri Lanka A‘s position. Jain broke this stand by having Fernando caught by Padikkal, and Thakur then removed Ashen, who also edged behind to Jurel.

Team Changes and Player Performances

Fast bowler Auqib Nabi, who made his India A debut with a five-wicket haul in the first unofficial Test, was unable to trouble the Sri Lanka A openers with the new ball, finishing with figures of 0 for 50 from 15 overs. Brar bowled with more pace and effectively used the short ball, but secured only one wicket.

Ansari faced difficulties, bowling several loose deliveries that allowed the batters to score freely. His leg-spin did not trouble the Sri Lanka A batters, who capitalised on any missed lengths. The team management, led by Hrishikesh Kanitkar, is reportedly making changes to ensure playing time for every squad member during this exposure tour.

The first four-day unofficial Test concluded in a draw, with opener Sai Sudharsan and captain Dhruv Jurel scoring centuries. Changes were anticipated for the second match, with Gurnoor Brar and Manav Suthar expected to be included in the playing eleven. Brar recently made an impressive debut in an ODI against Afghanistan, and his inclusion was expected to see Yash Thakur sit out. Similarly, Suthar, who made his Test debut against Afghanistan with a 10-wicket haul and had a successful county stint for Warwickshire, was also expected to feature in the spin attack, potentially resting left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey.

Other players who did not feature in the first game, such as opener Aman Mokhade and leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari, were also in contention for opportunities. Mokhade could replace Ayush Pandey, who did not score a half-century in either innings of the first match. Ansari’s inclusion would likely be at the expense of off-spinner Saransh Jain. However, Pandey could retain his place if Sai Sudharsan is deemed unfit, as Sudharsan retired hurt in the second innings of the first match and did not participate further.

The current score for Sri Lanka A in their first innings is 288/5, with Sahan Arachchige batting on 83, Nuwanidu Fernando scoring 44, and Anjala Bandara contributing 42.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Swiatek and Zverev Secure Progress

Iga Swiatek, the reigning champion, overcame a challenging start to her Wimbledon title defense by securing a decisive second-round victory. She defeated former world number one Karolina Pliskova with a score of 6-1, 6-3 in 70 minutes. Swiatek, who had experienced an emotional first-round match, expressed feeling ready and sharp for her subsequent performance. This win marks her 26th consecutive Grand Slam appearance reaching at least the third round, a streak maintained since the 2019 U.S. Open.

Swiatek is set to face the Philippines’ Alexandra Eala in the next round. Eala, the 29th seed, made history by becoming the first woman from her country to reach the third round of a Grand Slam, defeating Maya Joint 3-6, 6-2, 6-0. The 21-year-old Eala described the atmosphere on Court Three as amazing and electric.

In the men’s singles, Alexander Zverev demonstrated strong form, cruising to a 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) victory over Valentin Royer. This performance has raised expectations for the German player at Wimbledon, a tournament where he has not previously advanced beyond the last 16 in nine attempts. Zverev, who recently secured his first Grand Slam title at the French Open, noted the importance of a short-term memory in tennis, whether after good or bad results.

Other notable advancements on Day 4 included Frances Tiafoe (17), Taylor Fritz (6), Amanda Anisimova (6), Madison Keys (26), Alex de Minaur (5), and Elena Rybakina (2). Rybakina defeated Caty McNally 6-1, 6-2, while Anisimova came back from a break down in the third set to beat Sofia Kenin in a deciding tie-break. Anisimova expressed gratitude for her serve, stating she can now serve “pretty good.”

Further Results and British Hopes

Taylor Fritz continued his strong record at the All England Club, defeating compatriot Patrick Kypson 6-2, 6-2, 7-5 to reach the third round. Fritz has reached at least the quarter-finals at Wimbledon in three of the past four years. Alex de Minaur also advanced with a straight-sets victory over Adrian Mannarino.

Grigor Dimitrov secured an emotional win against Jakub Menšík (15) with a score of 7-6(5), 6-4, 7-5, 6-3. Dimitrov’s impressive shotmaking and poise were highlighted during the match. Alexander Bublik (10) also moved into the third round by defeating Kyrian Jacquet 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(5).

British hopes were kept alive by Arthur Fery, who beat Otto Virtanen in four sets. However, Madison Keys ended home interest in the women’s singles by defeating Britain’s Katie Swan in straight sets. Rafael Jodar, a Wimbledon debutant, completed a comeback victory over Pablo Carreno Busta in a match delayed by darkness, winning the last two sets.

Upcoming Matches and Player Insights

The third round of the Wimbledon Championships is set to feature several prominent players. Defending men’s champion Jannik Sinner will be in action, alongside women’s No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, and Coco Gauff. Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, is bidding to claim the world-number-one ranking from Aryna Sabalenka next week.

Linda Nosková (9) advanced after defeating Camila Osorio 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 and will face Sorana Cîrstea (17) in the next round. Jasmine Paolini (13) also moved on, beating Viktorija Golubic 7-6(0), 6-4. Jiří Lehečka (13) delivered an assertive performance, defeating Alex Molcan in straight sets.

Mario Berrettini, after a win over Wawrinka in the first round, delivered another strong performance against Arthur Fils (20), winning 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 6-3. He noted the high level of play required to beat Fils. Day 4 of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships concluded today at SW19.

Source: thehindu.com

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Portugal is preparing to face Croatia in the World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match in Toronto. The fixture, scheduled for Friday, holds significant emotional weight for Portugal as it coincides with the first death anniversary of late striker Diogo Jota.

Coach Roberto Martinez stated that his team views the knockout stage as a “second World Cup,” emphasizing the importance of preparation. He acknowledged the challenge posed by Croatia, a team known for its strong performances in previous tournaments, having finished as runners-up in 2018 and third in 2022.

The Opta supercomputer has identified Portugal as the favorites for this last-32 fixture, assigning them a 56.2% win probability compared to Croatia’s 19.5%. A draw, which would lead to extra-time and potentially penalties, has a 24.3% probability.

Key Players and Team Form

Much attention will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, and Luka Modric, 40, as the two captains lead their respective teams. Martinez praised both players as icons, highlighting their contributions and leadership regardless of age.

Ronaldo has called on Portugal fans to create a home-like atmosphere for the match. He posted a message on Instagram, asking supporters to back the team in large numbers, stating, “make us feel at home.”

During the group stage, Ronaldo made his 25th FIFA World Cup appearance, matching German legend Lothar Matthaus for the second-most appearances in tournament history. Only Lionel Messi has played more World Cup matches with 29 appearances. Ronaldo also scored twice in Portugal‘s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, making him Portugal‘s all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 10 goals, surpassing Eusebio‘s record.

Despite their strong record, Ronaldo has never scored in his eight previous World Cup knockout games, attempting 29 shots without finding the net. This is the joint-most by any player on record since 1966, alongside Brazil‘s Roberto Carlos.

Portugal finished second in Group K after drawing with DR Congo and Colombia, alongside their win against Uzbekistan. They are currently unbeaten in their three games at World Cup 2026, having achieved a win and two draws.

Midfielder Vitinha has been influential for Portugal, completing 270 passes in the group stages, the most by a Portugal player on record in the group stages of a World Cup. Against Colombia, he completed all 54 of his passes, achieving 100% accuracy.

Croatia’s Path and Head-to-Head Record

Croatia began their World Cup 2026 campaign with a 4-2 loss against England but recovered to defeat Panama 1-0 and Ghana 2-1, securing their spot as runners-up in Group L. They are now aiming to win three consecutive matches at a major tournament for the first time since the 2018 World Cup.

This marks the fourth time Croatia has reached the knockout stages of a World Cup, having progressed past the first knockout round in all three of their previous appearances in 1998, 2018, and 2022.

If Luka Modric plays in this game, it will be his 23rd World Cup appearance, placing him alongside Paolo Maldini and Manuel Neuer for joint-fifth most appearances in the tournament. Only Lionel Messi (29), Cristiano Ronaldo (who could extend his tally to 25), Lothar Matthäus (25), and Miroslav Klose (24) would have made more appearances.

Historically, Portugal has a strong record against Croatia, having lost only one of their 10 matches across all competitions, with seven wins and two draws. In competitive fixtures, Portugal is unbeaten against Croatia, winning five of six games and drawing one. Croatia has not won any of their last three matches against European opposition at the World Cup, with a draw and two losses.

Portugal has a 68.7% chance of qualifying for the last 16, while Croatia has a 31.3% chance of advancing to the next round. The match is scheduled for Friday.

Source: theanalyst.com

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England secured a victory against DR Congo in a match that saw Harry Kane deliver a match-winning performance. The game, part of the World Cup knockout phase, was marked by a dramatic comeback from England, who initially trailed after Brian Cipenga scored for DR Congo in the seventh minute.

Despite dominating possession and territory, Thomas Tuchel‘s team struggled to convert their opportunities until Kane’s decisive intervention in the second half. The DR Congo goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi, was noted for his outstanding performance, making several saves against England’s attacking efforts.

Kane’s Record-Breaking Performance

Kane’s impact was particularly significant within an 11-minute period in the second half. His first goal, an equaliser in the 75th minute, came from a cross delivered by substitute Anthony Gordon. This goal brought Kane’s World Cup tally to 12, drawing him level with Pelé on the all-time scoring chart for the tournament.

Not content with parity, Kane scored his second goal in the 86th minute, again assisted by Gordon. This strike moved him to 13 career World Cup goals, surpassing Pelé’s record. The brace also increased Kane’s goal count in the 2026 FIFA World Cup to five, placing him alongside Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot standings, with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé ahead with six goals each.

The forward’s two goals against DR Congo also had a significant impact on England’s World Cup history. His career knockout-stage tally in the tournament now stands at five goals, moving him past Sir Geoff Hurst, whose four knockout goals were a long-standing achievement since the 1966 World Cup triumph. Only Gary Lineker, with six World Cup knockout goals, remains ahead of Kane on England’s all-time list.

Kane’s international achievements extend beyond World Cup milestones. He has now scored 20 goals in major international tournaments for England, comprising 13 goals at the FIFA World Cup and seven at the UEFA European Championship. He is also England’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer with 84 goals in 117 international appearances and holds the record for the most goals scored by an England player at major tournaments.

Looking Ahead to Mexico

The victory means England will proceed to a Round of 16 meeting against co-hosts Mexico. The upcoming match is anticipated to be challenging, with considerations of heat and altitude in Mexico.

The World Cup continues to deliver unexpected results and diverse tactical approaches. While European football had seen a trend towards a specific style, the tournament has showcased various methods, including Paraguay‘s traditional 4-4-2 formation and the Germans’ approach of playing the ball into the box for attacking players.

The performance of goalkeepers has also been a highlight, with Lionel Mpasi of DR Congo delivering a notable display against England. Despite his team’s defeat, Mpasi’s saves against Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Marcus Rashford were a significant part of the match.

The tournament has seen several established football nations pushed to their limits by teams like Japan, DR Congo, and Paraguay. The competition has also seen the elimination of Germany and the Netherlands, with Brazil narrowly progressing against Japan, suggesting a potential shift in the traditional power dynamics of the World Cup.

England’s journey in the tournament continues with their Round of 16 fixture against Mexico.

Source: bbc.com

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The opening T20I match between India and England at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street was abandoned due to persistent rain. Despite India posting a competitive total, the weather conditions prevented England from beginning their chase, leading to a no-result decision.

India, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, recovered from a difficult start to score 189/7 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was bolstered by an explosive half-century from Abhishek Sharma and a captain’s knock from Shreyas Iyer. However, heavy rain arrived shortly after the innings break and continued, making the outfield unfit for play and ultimately forcing the abandonment of the match.

India’s innings: A tale of recovery and powerful hitting

The start of India‘s innings was challenging, with the team quickly losing two wickets. Saqib Mahmood struck early, dismissing Sanju Samson, who drove the ball to Tom Banton at point. Shortly after, Ishan Kishan was run out following a mix-up with Abhishek Sharma, leaving India struggling at 6/2. This early setback mirrored recent batting difficulties experienced by India during their 0-2 series defeat against Ireland.

Under pressure, Abhishek Sharma launched a significant counterattack. The left-handed batsman aggressively took on England‘s seamers, reaching his fifty in just 20 deliveries. His fearless display of strokeplay included becoming the fastest batter from a Full Member nation to complete 100 sixes in T20 Internationals. He scored a scintillating 59 off 24 balls, featuring six fours and four sixes, before being trapped lbw by Sam Curran.

Abhishek Sharma and Shreyas Iyer formed a crucial 82-run partnership for the third wicket, helping India regain control of the innings. This alliance, which lasted a little over seven overs, was marked by excellent timing and aggressive hitting. Abhishek notably smashed a hat-trick of fours off Luke Wood, contributing to India‘s impressive powerplay score of 61/2.

Captain’s knock and late surge

Following Abhishek Sharma‘s dismissal, skipper Shreyas Iyer took charge, building on his earlier support for his partner. The right-hander compiled a composed 68 off 47 deliveries, an innings that included six boundaries and a six. He mixed calculated aggression with sensible strike rotation, reaching his ninth T20I fifty, his first as captain. During his innings, Iyer also surpassed the milestone of 5,000 international runs, becoming the latest Indian batter to achieve this feat.

Iyer‘s innings helped settle nerves within the Indian camp, especially after his modest performances against Ireland. He demonstrated his form with a powerful pull shot off leg-spinner Adil Rashid for a four and a mighty loft over extra cover off Wood for a six. Despite his efforts, Iyer also fell to Saqib Mahmood, who finished with impressive figures of 3/33.

Even after Iyer‘s departure, India found valuable late runs through Shivam Dube. The all-rounder remained unbeaten on 42 off just 21 balls, striking three sixes and two fours. His cameo helped India add 54 runs in the final five overs, propelling the team close to the 190-run mark. This late surge ensured a challenging target for England, had the match continued.

Match abandonment and series outlook

The persistent rain, which had begun towards the end of India‘s innings, intensified and continued throughout the evening. Ground staff were unable to prepare the playing surface before the cut-off time for even a five-over game. Consequently, the umpires officially called off the match without a single delivery being bowled in England‘s innings, resulting in a no-result for both teams.

The abandonment meant that the enthusiastic fans were robbed of the opportunity to witness the second innings. The next match in the five-match series is scheduled to be held in Manchester on July 4.

The final score for India was 189/7 in 20 overs, with key contributions from Shreyas Iyer (68), Abhishek Sharma (59), and Shivam Dube (42 not out). Saqib Mahmood was the pick of the bowlers for England, taking 3/33.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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