Argentina is set to face Cabo Verde in a 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout fixture at Miami Stadium. This match pits the defending champions against a team making its tournament debut. Lionel Scaloni’s side advanced through Group J without dropping any points, securing victories against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

Cabo Verde’s journey to this stage has been marked by discipline and resilience. The team, coached by Bubista, drew all three of its Group H matches, notably holding Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. They did not concede a goal in two of those group stage games, a remarkable record for a nation in its first World Cup appearance.

The Blue Sharks arrive in Miami without the pressure of high expectations, a factor that has served them well so far. Their performance against Spain demonstrated their ability to stifle more experienced opponents.

Argentina’s Squad and Strategy

Lionel Messi enters the knockout stage in strong form, being a joint-top scorer with 6 goals, having scored in all three group stage matches. He is expected to lead the line for Argentina. Reports indicate that Cristian Romero is dealing with a minor knee issue but is anticipated to start, though his fitness will be monitored. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has confirmed his readiness to play after recovering from recent knocks.

Manager Lionel Scaloni is expected to deploy a balanced 4-4-2 formation. This setup aims to utilize the midfield trio of De Paul, Fernández, and Mac Allister to control possession, allowing Messi to exploit open spaces. Argentina has won their last five matches across all competitions, scoring nine goals and conceding none in their three World Cup group games. They defeated Jordan 3-1 in their most recent outing, with Messi scoring a decisive free kick after coming off the bench. Earlier in the group stage, they secured a 2-0 victory over Austria and a 3-0 win against Algeria.

According to one report, Scaloni is expected to restore the lineup that defeated Austria, having rotated players against Jordan. Nicolas Tagliafico could return at left-back. If Cristian Romero is fit, he will partner Lisandro Martinez; otherwise, Nicolas Otamendi will continue in that role. Lautaro Martinez’s first World Cup goal against Jordan has strengthened his case to start ahead of Julian Alvarez.

Cabo Verde’s Approach and Key Players

Head coach Bubista has a largely fit squad available, with the exception of Telmo Arcanjo, who is listed with a slight knock and is unlikely to start. The 40-year-old veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who was instrumental in their 0-0 group stage draw against Spain, is expected to anchor the defense once again.

The Blue Sharks are anticipated to set up in a compact, narrow, and disciplined 4-5-1 mid-block. Their primary strategy will involve double-teaming Messi, crowding the midfield to disrupt passing lanes, and relying on Dailon Livramento to hold up the ball during counter-attacks. Cabo Verde’s recent results include a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, a 2-2 draw with Uruguay, and a goalless stalemate against Spain in the group stage. Before the tournament, they won both of their friendlies, beating Bermuda 3-0 and Serbia 3-0.

A fascinating duel is expected between Cabo Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha, who has two clean sheets, and Lionel Messi, who has scored six goals. Cabo Verde, the smallest nation to reach the knockout stage, has become one of the tournament’s biggest stories. They will carry the hopes of African football as they look for another upset.

Match Broadcast Information

The match between Argentina and Cabo Verde will be broadcast live on local FOX networks in English. For those who prefer Spanish commentary, Telemundo will also carry the action. Both channels are available for live streaming on Fubo, which offers new customers a free five-day trial.

For viewers who are traveling or wish to access their usual streaming services from a different location, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be used to bypass geo-restrictions. This involves signing up for a reputable VPN service, downloading the app, connecting to a server in the desired location, and then clearing browser cache before streaming.

Argentina and Cabo Verde have never played each other in senior international football.

Source: goal.com

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Ronaldo Scores in World Cup Knockout Round

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty kick for Portugal during their World Cup round of 32 match against Croatia. The goal, which came in the 68th minute, equalized the game. This marks Ronaldo’s first goal in the knockout stage of a World Cup tournament.

The penalty was awarded after a teammate was fouled inside the box. Ronaldo converted the kick, sending the ball down the middle. This goal is his 11th career World Cup goal and his third in this year’s tournament, following two goals scored during the group stage against Uzbekistan.

Ronaldo is the only player to have scored in six editions of the World Cup. This tournament marks his record sixth appearance in the competition, which is the one major championship that has eluded him in his career. His role with the national team has evolved over time.

Before the start of the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo had accumulated 143 goals in 228 international matches. He currently plays for Al-Nassr FC in the Saudi Pro League.

Toronto Cancels Fan Event Amid Heat Warning

The City of Toronto announced the cancellation of its FIFA men’s World Cup broadcast at Nathan Phillips Square. The decision was made due to an extreme heat forecast for Thursday, July 2, with temperatures expected to reach 37 degrees Celsius.

Environment Canada issued an orange heat warning for the city, indicating that high temperatures are expected to persist into Friday. The peak conditions were anticipated for Thursday, with maximum temperatures ranging between 34 and 37 degrees Celsius. Even minimum temperatures were projected to offer little relief, with the thermometer expected to read between 21 and 25 degrees Celsius.

The city stated in a release that the cancellation of all FIFA World Cup 2026 match broadcasts at Nathan Phillips Square for Thursday, July 2, was due to the extreme heat forecast and the resources required to safely manage large crowds at fan events, including Toronto Stadium and FIFA Fan Festival Toronto.

One of the games scheduled for broadcast would have featured Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal playing against Luka Modrić and Croatia. This match was intended to be the final World Cup game shown in Toronto.

Despite the cancellation of the broadcast at Nathan Phillips Square, the city is still encouraging individuals to visit Destination Toronto’s website for information on other locations where the game can be viewed. People planning to venture out on Thursday are advised to take precautions, as the hot and humid air could lead to deteriorating air quality.

Concerns about heat exhaustion have also been raised, with symptoms including headache, dizziness, dark urine, thirst, and intense fatigue. Individuals experiencing these signs are advised to stop their activities and drink plenty of water. Heat stroke is another potential risk, characterized by hot red skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and changes in consciousness. Immediate medical attention is recommended for those exhibiting heat stroke symptoms, along with moving to a cool area and applying cold water or ice packs to the body while awaiting emergency services.

Source: eu.usatoday.com

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Early Match Action in Toronto

The World Cup 2026 knockout clash between Portugal and Croatia commenced in Toronto with an energetic atmosphere at BMO Field. Both teams demonstrated early intensity, with Portugal creating significant opportunities in the opening minutes. The match started with an open style of play, seeing both sides maintain possession.

In the 4th minute, Portugal had a substantial chance, which was briefly reviewed by VAR. Moments later, in the 5th minute, Bruno Fernandes tested Croatian goalkeeper Livakovic following a setup by Rafa Leao. Livakovic saved the initial shot, and Croatia managed to clear the follow-up attempt. Leao, making his first start of the tournament, was notably active on the left flank, delivering a cross that narrowly missed a tangle of players including Livakovic and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Portugal continued to press, particularly down the left side, with Nuno Mendes contributing to the attacking plays. In the 8th minute, Cancelo attempted a volley from a corner, but it went over the bar. Despite the early pressure from Portugal, the score remained level at 0-0 in the initial stages of the game.

Key Players and Team Dynamics

The match features several prominent players, including Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal and Luka Modric for Croatia. Both captains have extensive World Cup experience; Ronaldo has played in 26 out of 39 Portugal World Cup games, while Modric has appeared in 23 out of 34 Croatia World Cup games. Ivan Perisic is another player in this match who has participated in over 20 World Cup games.

Portugal entered this knockout stage having finished as runners-up in Group K with one win from three games. Croatia secured second place in Group L with six points from two victories. The winner of this match is scheduled to face Spain in Dallas on July 6. Projections suggest Portugal has a 68 percent chance of advancing past Croatia, and a 7 percent likelihood of reaching the final, ranking seventh among remaining teams. Croatia, by contrast, has a 1 percent chance of reaching the final, with only Cape Verde having a lower projection.

The atmosphere at BMO Field was described as vibrant, with both sets of fans generating significant noise. Despite a boisterous pre-match celebration from Portuguese fans, the Croatian supporters inside the stadium appeared to be louder during the introduction of starting lineups, where Cristiano Ronaldo received boos from the crowd.

Historical Context and Player Milestones

The careers of Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric have been intertwined with significant moments in international football. Modric made his debut for Croatia on March 1, 2006, in a match where Croatia defeated Argentina 3-2, a game that also saw Lionel Messi score his first international goal. On the same evening, Ronaldo scored twice in a 3-0 victory for Portugal against Saudi Arabia.

Both Ronaldo and Messi have been central figures in football discourse since then, with Modric also maintaining a consistent presence at the top level. These three players are part of an elite group of four men who have accumulated at least 200 international caps. Ronaldo currently has 10 World Cup goals, placing him in a seven-way tie for 11th on the all-time scoring list. An additional goal would move him into a tie for ninth, and two goals would place him in a tie for eighth.

Past performances in the tournament saw Portugal defeat Uzbekistan 5-0, alongside draws with Colombia and DR Congo. Croatia lost to England, then overcame Panama, and beat Ghana 2-1. The match is a continuation of their respective World Cup journeys.

The match is being played in Toronto, with kick-off at 7pm ET, 4pm PT.

Source: theguardian.com

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Four individuals have died in Mexico City following celebrations for Mexico‘s World Cup victory over Ecuador. Among the deceased are a 19-year-old woman, a 48-year-old woman, and a 44-year-old man, all of whom succumbed to suffocation. Additionally, a 30-year-old man died after experiencing an epileptic crisis.

The deaths occurred as more than one million people gathered in the streets, primarily around the Angel of Independence monument in downtown Mexico City. This mass gathering was to commemorate Mexico‘s first World Cup knockout stage win since 1986.

Tragedy Amidst Celebration

The capital’s health authority confirmed the deaths, stating that emergency services had treated three unconscious individuals at various locations along Paseo de la Reforma. These individuals were then transported to a hospital for specialized medical care. Despite advanced resuscitation efforts, the three individuals died from suffocation and were later identified by their families.

The mass crush that led to the deaths occurred near the Angel of Independence monument, specifically on Hamburgo and Lancaster Streets. Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada extended her condolences to the victims’ families and pledged support. She also urged fans to celebrate responsibly, with care and empathy, in a social media post after the deaths were announced.

Before the match, Mayor Brugada had advised fans to seek alternative viewing locations due to the already large crowds gathering near the Angel of Independence monument. Mexico City‘s metropolitan area is home to over 20 million people, making it one of the most densely populated places globally.

Chaotic Scenes and Fan Behavior

The 2-0 victory over Ecuador sparked widespread celebrations, with fireworks visible across large parts of the city long after the final whistle. This win advances Mexico to the World Cup‘s round of 16, where they are scheduled to face England, who defeated DR Congo 2-1.

In other parts of the country, celebrations also saw chaotic scenes. In Monterrey, police deployed tear gas against fans who had gathered to watch the match on giant screens at Parque Fundidora. Reports indicated that pepper spray and tear gas were used to prevent fans from rushing gates and fences, leading to a stampede as officials attempted to close doors to the event.

Footage from Monterrey showed individuals pushing through iron gates and damaging temporary barricades in attempts to enter the event. One video depicted a fan pouring water into a woman’s eyes, who appeared to be struggling with the effects of pepper spray. Supporters were also seen scaling fences at the event, located approximately 600 miles north of the Estadio Azteca.

Prior to the match, Mexico fans gathered outside Ecuador‘s hotel in Mexico City, using horns, drums, motorcycles, cars, DJs, and fireworks to disrupt the opposing team’s sleep. During the game, Mexico fans used a chant considered homophobic in the first half when Hernán Galíndez took his first goal-kick. This marks the second instance of the chant being used in the tournament, resulting in fines for the Mexican Federation from Fifa. The chant originated during a match between Mexico and the US in a 2004 Olympic Games qualifying tournament in Guadalajara and gained wider recognition during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Meanwhile, police have commended England fans in the United States for their behavior during the tournament. There have been five arrests involving England fans across the competition, with only two occurring at a match. The head of the UK Football Policing Unit, Chief Constable Mark Roberts, noted the excellent behavior of both England and Scotland fans throughout the group stages of the World Cup.

Source: bbc.com

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Late Goals Force Extra Time in Knockout Match

A dramatic turn of events saw the World Cup knockout match between Belgium and Senegal extend into extra time after Belgium scored two late goals. The game, held in Seattle, had seen Senegal take a two-goal lead before Belgium mounted a comeback in the final minutes of regulation time.

Habib Diarra of Sunderland opened the scoring for Senegal early in the match. Later, Ismaila Sarr extended their lead with a powerful strike in the second half, putting Senegal in a strong position to advance to the next round. For much of the game, it appeared Senegal was comfortably heading towards the Round of 16.

However, Belgium initiated their comeback when Romelu Lukaku skillfully flicked the ball into the net, halving the deficit. Just minutes later, Belgium captain Youri Tielemans headed in the equalizer, leveling the score and sending shockwaves through Seattle Stadium. The two goals came within 161 seconds of each other, completely changing the complexion of the match.

Senegal’s Composure Tested as Extra Time Begins

The sudden shift in momentum left Senegal‘s players visibly devastated, with their coach, Pape Thiaw, facing the challenge of rallying his team for an additional 30 minutes of play. Reports indicated that Senegal had lost their composure in the deep stages of added time before the equalizer. The unexpected turn meant that Senegal, who had made only three substitutions during the initial 90 minutes, would have some fresh legs available for extra time, as teams are allowed one additional substitute.

Belgium, in contrast, had used all five of their regular-time substitutions in their effort to get back into the game. The match’s progression to extra time was seen as a positive for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) or Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the winner of this extended contest will face one of those sides in the Round of 16 in Seattle on Monday. Every moment of recovery time could prove crucial for the next fixture.

The dramatic comeback drew comparisons to Belgium‘s performance in the 2018 World Cup, where they overcame a 2-0 deficit against Japan in the Round of 16 to win 3-2. The late goals against Senegal demonstrated a similar resilience, bringing them back from what many considered a losing position.

Belgium’s Kit Choice and Artistic Inspiration

Adding another layer of interest to the match, Belgium took to the pitch wearing an unconventional light blue and pink jersey, a departure from their traditional red and black colors. This choice, their official ‘away jersey’ for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was designed by adidas.

The design is a tribute to the Belgian surrealist painter, Rene Magritte, specifically inspired by his painting known as “The Son of Man.” The jersey also features a message that translates to “This is not a jersey,” echoing Magritte‘s famous work where a painting of a pipe was accompanied by the words, “This is not a pipe.” This artistic inspiration was a notable detail as Belgium fought for their World Cup survival.

The match continued into extra time with the score at 2-2, following the full 90 minutes of regulation play.

Source: nytimes.com

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The World Cup Round of 32 has featured significant matches, with England securing a victory over DR Congo and Senegal taking an early lead against Belgium. These games are part of a busy day of knockout stage action, which also includes a match between the U.S. and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In the match between England and DR Congo, England emerged victorious with a 2-1 score. The game saw DR Congo take an early lead in the seventh minute. Despite this, England pressed for an equalizer, generating numerous chances. DR Congo‘s goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi, made several notable saves throughout the first half, including denying a header from Jude Bellingham and a right-footed volley from Harry Kane.

The second half began with England continuing its offensive push. Harry Kane eventually broke through, heading in a cross from Anthony Gordon to tie the game at 1-1. Later in the half, Kane scored his second goal, putting England ahead 2-1. This goal came after Lionel Mpasi saved a shot from Jude Bellingham, with Anthony Gordon collecting the rebound and finding Kane, who then scored with a right-footed strike. DR Congo‘s efforts to equalize in the final moments, including a free kick from Yoane Wissa, were unsuccessful, leading to England‘s advancement to the Round of 16.

Senegal takes lead against Belgium

In another Round of 32 fixture, Senegal established a 1-0 lead over Belgium during the second half. The match, which kicked off in Seattle, saw Senegal‘s early attacking efforts pay off. After a header from Ismaïla Sarr hit the post, Habib Diarra collected the rebound and scored with a right-footed shot, giving Senegal the lead.

Senegal‘s goalkeeper, Mory Diaw, played a crucial role in maintaining their advantage, making several saves. He stopped a shot from Leandro Trossard and later made two more saves, including one on a deflected shot and a diving stop on a shot from Maxim De Cuyper following a corner. Both teams displayed an attacking style of play throughout the first half.

The starting lineups for the Belgium vs. Senegal match featured some key changes for Senegal. Pape Gueye started in midfield, replacing Lamine Camara. Gueye had previously scored two goals in Senegal‘s 5-0 victory over Iraq in the group stage. Pathe Ciss also started for Senegal, taking the place of defender Abdoulaye Seck. In the forward line, Iliman Ndiaye joined Ismaila Sarr and Sadio Mane, with Ibrahim Mbaye on the bench. Notably, Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly was not in the starting lineup. Belgium, on the other hand, maintained the same starting lineup from their previous game, a 5-1 win over New Zealand.

Looking ahead for Belgium and the U.S.

Belgium‘s advancement to the knockout round, where they topped Group G, marks an improvement from their performance at the previous World Cup, where they did not progress past the group stage. The team had a historic third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Following their 5-1 victory over New Zealand, coach Rudi Garcia expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress, noting that they had achieved the minimum expectation of finishing first in their group. He also emphasized the challenge posed by Senegal in the knockout phase.

The U.S. national team is scheduled to play Bosnia and Herzegovina at 8 p.m. ET. The U.S. is considered favored to win this match, which would mark their first knockout match victory since 2002. All matches are available on Telemundo and Peacock.

The day’s events also included discussions around hydration breaks, with U.S. women’s coach Lindsay Heaps expressing her dislike for them, stating they interrupt the momentum of the game. Meanwhile, Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres commented on Sweden‘s loss to France, which resulted in their elimination from the competition. England‘s victory over DR Congo was a hard-fought 2-1 win.

Source: nbcnews.com

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NFL and Sorsby Reach Agreement

Quarterback Brendan Sorsby will not play in the 2026 season but will be eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft. An agreement was reached between the NFL, the NFL Players Association, and Sorsby, resolving legal claims related to the league’s decision not to hold a supplemental draft this offseason. This settlement confirms Sorsby’s eligibility for the 2027 draft.

A memo sent to all clubs indicated that there would be no further litigation regarding Sorsby’s entry into the NFL. Instead, Sorsby will concentrate on preparing for the 2027 NFL Draft. He will be considered a ‘Draft-Eligible’ player for the 2027 NFL Draft and will not be eligible to sign an NFL Player Contract until the draft’s completion.

As part of the agreement, Sorsby will be allowed to participate in standard pre-draft activities, including the Senior Bowl, holding a pro day, and team visits. The NFL will not discipline Sorsby for his known misconduct in college, which involved making bets while a student athlete. However, the league reserves the right to investigate his conduct beyond current public filings and may consider past transgressions for any future violations.

Background of Ineligibility and Legal Challenges

Sorsby played four collegiate seasons, splitting his time between Indiana and Cincinnati before transferring to Texas Tech in January. His collegiate career included 7,208 passing yards, 60 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions, along with 22 rushing scores and 1,295 rushing yards.

His gambling activities came to light after his transfer to Texas Tech. Sorsby entered a residential treatment program for gambling addiction in April. The NCAA initially declared him ineligible to play college football in 2026. A temporary injunction on June 8 allowed him to serve a two-game suspension, but Sorsby later dropped his lawsuit against the NCAA with the intention of entering the supplemental draft.

The NFL, however, announced to teams on June 23 that it would not hold a supplemental draft, a right granted by the current collective bargaining agreement. The Canadian Football League also stated on June 26 that it would not permit Sorsby to sign with any teams or be placed on their negotiation lists.

In a statement, Sorsby accepted full responsibility for his actions, acknowledging his gambling problem. He emphasized his commitment to recovery and preparing for the 2027 draft, stating that the news about the supplemental draft does not change his recovery journey.

Implications for the League and Players

The NFL’s decision regarding Sorsby highlights the rapid changes in the gambling industry, college sports eligibility rules, and integrity issues. According to Matthew Wein, who runs the newsletter “Secure Stakes,” the rules and governance at the collegiate level have not kept pace with these changes, while the NFL has asserted its control over the situation.

Larry Ferezani, general counsel of the NFL’s Management Council, stated in a letter to Sorsby that his petition failed to demonstrate accountability and used litigation to avoid the consequences of a likely suspension. The league was reportedly uncomfortable with the ethical concerns presented by Sorsby’s application, given the limited time to investigate his gambling violations.

The league’s stance is seen by some as a warning to college players that the supplemental draft is not a means to avoid consequences for rule violations and loss of college eligibility. The agreement effectively imposes a de facto one-year suspension across all levels of football for Sorsby.

John Holden, an associate professor of business law and ethics at Indiana University, noted that professional sports leagues prefer to avoid involvement in college eligibility rulings. He suggested that Sorsby’s case presented an opportunity for the NFL to make a point without affecting a union member, as Sorsby was not yet part of the union.

The widespread legalization of mobile sports gambling has led to increased discipline for integrity concerns among players. In April 2024, the league reinstated five players who had served indefinite suspensions for gambling on the NFL. Other notable cases include Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams, who received a six-game ban for betting on other sports, and Calvin Ridley, who was suspended for a year in 2022 for placing bets on his former team, the Atlanta Falcons.

Wein believes Sorsby’s situation is unlikely to result in drastic rule changes but may prompt the NFL to consider how to address similar cases in the future, particularly when Sorsby or other athletes apply for the 2027 NFL Draft.

The NFL’s memo to teams on June 29 confirmed that Sorsby would not pursue legal action against the league and would be eligible for the 2027 draft.

Source: eu.usatoday.com

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Mexico secured its place in the Round of 16 of the World Cup after a 2-0 win against Ecuador. The match, held in Mexico City, saw both of Mexico’s goals scored in the first 45 minutes, marking the first time in two years that Ecuador allowed two goals in a single game.

The game experienced a delay of approximately one hour due to lightning strikes in the area. Kickoff, originally scheduled for 7 p.m. local time at the Estadio Azteca, was pushed back as officials waited for safe conditions. FIFA confirmed that safety protocols established by local authorities were being followed, and the match would commence once it was safe.

First-Half Dominance and Key Goals

Mexico’s strong start was evident from the opening kickoff, as the team immediately applied pressure on Ecuador. Julián Quiñones scored the first goal in the 22nd minute, placing a shot in the top left corner. This marked Quiñones’ third goal of the tournament.

Less than 10 minutes later, Raul Jiménez extended Mexico’s lead. Following an Ecuador turnover in their own half, Jiménez capitalized on an errant pass, linking up with Quiñones before receiving the ball back in the penalty area to score. Jiménez, at 35 years old, became the first player in his 30s to score a knockout-round goal for Mexico.

Mexican midfielder Gilberto Mora, 17, also made an impact, becoming the youngest player to start a knockout-round game at the World Cup since Pelé in the 1958 World Cup. Mexico’s coach, Javier Aguirre, praised Quiñones for his willingness to sacrifice for the team, noting that the forward came off with calf tightness after extensive running.

Match Delays and Historical Significance

The delay in Mexico City was not the first in the tournament, as the France-Iraq game in Philadelphia also experienced a two-hour delay during halftime due to lightning and heavy rain. During the delay in Mexico City, fans remained in their seats.

The victory holds particular significance for Mexico, as it marks the first time in 40 years that the country has won a knockout-round game. Coach Aguirre expressed personal satisfaction with the win, stating that giving this joy to his people was a significant achievement, referencing past World Cup exits as both a player and coach.

Ecuador, which had allowed only five goals across 18 World Cup qualifying games in South America, struggled defensively in the first half against Mexico’s offensive pressure. Despite some chances created by John Yeboah for Ecuador in the first half, the team was unable to mount a comeback in the second half. Towards the end of the game, Ecuador’s defender Piero Hincapié received an automatic red card.

Looking Ahead to the Round of 16

Mexico’s win means they will play one more World Cup game in Mexico City. The team will face England in the Round of 16 at Estadio Azteca on July 5, unless DR Congo achieves an upset on Wednesday. Mexico has played all four of its games on home soil so far and joins France as the only teams to win all four of their games in the tournament.

Source: eu.usatoday.com

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France secured a 3-0 victory over Sweden in a World Cup knockout round match in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Kylian Mbappé scored twice, with Bradley Barcola adding another goal for France. This win sets up a round of 16 match against Paraguay for France.

Mbappé opened the scoring in the 45th minute with a crossover step. He then added a second-half goal, marking his third two-goal game in four matches. His performance in this match brought his total to six goals in the tournament, tying him with Argentina forward Lionel Messi for the lead.

Barcola scored France’s second goal in the 53rd minute, with Mbappé completing the scoring in the 74th minute. Mbappé’s goals in knockout rounds now surpass the previous record held by Brazilian players Leonidas and Ronaldo.

France’s Dominant Performance

France, a finalist in the previous World Cup and considered a favorite in this tournament, has demonstrated strong offensive capabilities, outscoring opponents 13-2. Michael Olise contributed significantly to the team’s attack, assisting on five goals.

The match was played in challenging conditions, with high temperatures and humidity. Despite the heat, France outshot Sweden 25-7, with 15 of those shots coming in the first half. Mbappé nearly scored earlier in the match, hitting a post in the 32nd minute. Olise also had a spectacular bicycle kick that hit a post.

Sweden’s captain, Victor Lindelöf, acknowledged France’s ability to control the game, stating they are skilled at changing pace and possessing the ball. He also noted that Sweden lost to one of the best teams in the world.

The first goal came after Sweden’s goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström tipped Olise’s shot. Olise then played a short corner to Ousmane Dembélé, who passed to Mbappé. Mbappé maneuvered around Viktor Gyökeres and sent a diagonal shot into the far post.

The second goal for France originated from a turnover by Gustaf Lagerbielke. Aurélien Tchouaméni passed to Olise, who then delivered a pass to Barcola, who scored. Mbappé’s final goal was set up by a backheel pass to Barcola, who then passed to Olise, leading to Mbappé’s shot inside the far post.

Looking Ahead for Les Bleus

France’s coach, Didier Deschamps, expressed his commitment to the team’s mission. He had returned for the match after attending his mother’s funeral, and Mbappé mentioned the team’s support for him.

The victory was witnessed by a crowd of 80,663, contributing to a record total for the expanded 104-match tournament. Many fans were seen wearing France’s blue colors.

France is aiming to reach its third consecutive World Cup final. Their next match is scheduled for July 4 in Philadelphia against Paraguay. The winner of that game will advance to a quarterfinal match five days later in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where they will face either Canada or Morocco.

Mbappé, reflecting on the win, stated, “I’m very aware of who I am, how I play, what I shall do, but it’s not just about me. The entire team is aware of what should be done. It is a new competition that has started today. We did play well, but we were timid. We could have done better at the beginning.”

The match was the first World Cup encounter between France and Sweden.

Mbappé’s focus immediately after the match was on recovery, stating, “I’m looking forward to the changing room and the AC.”

Source: apnews.com

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Norway secured a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in Dallas, advancing to the last 16 of the World Cup. The win sets up a match against Brazil at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 5. The decisive goal came late in the game from Erling Haaland, who scored in the 86th minute.

The match saw Norway take the lead in the 39th minute through a goal from Antonio Nusa. The 21-year-old RB Leipzig winger dribbled into the box and curled a shot into the top corner. Ivory Coast, however, created several opportunities throughout the game, particularly in the first half.

Ivory Coast found an equalizer in the 74th minute when substitute Amad scored. His goal, following a one-two and a dribble, appeared to send the match towards extra time. However, Haaland intervened late, converting a pass from Patrick Berg to secure the win for Norway.

Haaland’s Impact and Norway’s Strategy

Erling Haaland, despite a relatively quiet game for much of the match, demonstrated his ability to score crucial goals. His late winner was his 60th international goal in 53 games, making him the fastest player to reach this milestone. He also became the first player to score in his first three appearances at a World Cup.

Observers noted that Norway played a conservative game, with Haaland’s efforts appearing somewhat reined in, possibly under instructions from manager Stale Solbakken. The striker often waited for the opportune moment to strike. Earlier in the game, passes intended for Haaland from players like Martin Odegaard, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, and Andreas Schjelderup did not connect effectively.

The winning goal came after Oscar Bobb’s pass opened up the Ivory Coast defense, leading to Berg’s assist. While the finish was not described as Haaland’s most assured, its importance for Norway’s World Cup progression was significant.

Norway’s team demonstrated that their threat extends beyond Haaland. Antonio Nusa’s goal highlighted the team’s diverse attacking capabilities. Nusa’s pace and skillful dribbling on the left wing complement the physical presence of Haaland and Alexander Sorloth in the forward line.

The impact of substitutes was also evident in the match. Amad’s equalizer for Ivory Coast came after his introduction, which saw a tactical shift from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 formation. Similarly, Norway’s double change, bringing on Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup for Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa, proved effective. Bobb was instrumental in setting up the winning goal for Haaland.

Looking Ahead to Brazil

Norway’s reward for their first win in the World Cup knockout stage is a challenging encounter with Brazil. Historically, Norway holds an unbeaten record against Brazil in men’s international football, with two wins and two draws in four matches, including a victory in the group stage of the 1998 World Cup.

The upcoming match is anticipated to feature a renewed rivalry between Haaland and Brazil’s Gabriel. The two players have had several clashes in the Premier League in recent seasons. One notable incident occurred in April, where Gabriel appeared to make contact with Haaland. Another instance in September 2024 saw Haaland throw the ball at Gabriel during a celebration.

While Brazil is expected to be the favorite, the match is not considered overwhelmingly one-sided. Both teams have shown moments of brilliance in tight games, and Norway’s goal-scoring threat in Haaland is a significant factor. The match against Brazil is scheduled for July 5.

Source: nytimes.com

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