Portugal secures World Cup last 16 spot

Portugal advanced to the World Cup last 16 after a dramatic victory against Croatia in Toronto. The match saw Gonçalo Ramos score the winning goal in added time, following a wild finish that included multiple VAR interventions.

The game was billed as a significant occasion for two footballing icons, Luka Modrić and Cristiano Ronaldo. Modrić, at 40, played in what is likely his final World Cup, while Ronaldo continues in the tournament. Both players scored during a match filled with incidents, though neither was the most influential on the pitch. Instead, the contest was characterized by a hard-fought battle between two determined teams, with momentum shifting frequently.

The atmosphere in the stadium was lively after a hot day in Toronto. Portugal largely controlled the first half, creating several opportunities. An early chance came when Rafael Leão drove down the left wing and delivered a low cut-back to Bruno Fernandes, whose two shots were saved by Dominik Livaković and blocked by the defense.

Pedro Neto was a persistent threat for Portugal in the initial period, particularly in his duel with Ivan Perišić, who was playing at full-back for Croatia. Neto consistently delivered whipped crosses into the box, though they remained unrewarded. One such cross saw Livaković miss the ball, but it also eluded Ronaldo. Another cross around the half-hour mark saw both Ronaldo and Fernandes stretch to connect at the far post, but they were just too late.

Croatia’s second-half surge and VAR drama

Croatia concluded the first half content, despite being on the defensive. They confidently withstood Portugal‘s attacks, maintained a strong presence in midfield, and aimed to isolate Martin Baturina against João Cancelo to deliver crosses for Ante Budimir. This strategy was not overly successful, partly due to the physical attention from Rúben Dias.

At half-time, Zlatko Dalić replaced Budimir with Igor Matanović, and Croatia‘s performance immediately shifted. They took the initiative, while Portugal‘s intensity waned. Eight minutes into the second half, Croatia took the lead. Josep Stanišić delivered a cross from the right that bypassed everyone until Perišić emerged at the back post, controlled the ball, and drove it low past Diogo Costa.

Following their goal, Croatia briefly dominated. Petar Sučić found Matanović in the box, who scored, but the goal was disallowed for offside. In the 59th minute, Sučić himself cut in from the left and unleashed a powerful shot that Costa saved with his legs.

During this period, Leão struck the Croatian bar from 25 yards, and a Ronaldo goal was ruled out for offside. The game then saw a moment of assistance for Portugal when Livaković mishandled a backpass, conceding a corner. The subsequent corner led to a VAR review, where Nikola Vlašić was found to have held Leão. The Norwegian referee, Espen Eskås, was sent to the monitor, and a penalty was awarded.

Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to take the penalty, converting it to level the score. This marked his first ever World Cup knockout-stage goal, and at 41, he became the oldest player to score in the World Cup knockouts, surpassing his former teammate Pepe, who scored at 39 years and nine months. His penalty came shortly after an earlier goal was disallowed for offside. This action may have influenced manager Roberto Martínez‘s decision not to substitute him at that moment, despite earlier considerations.

Portugal was back in the game, but the dynamic remained challenging. Croatia appeared superior and had further chances, including two long-range efforts from Mateo Kovačić and a saved shot from Matanović. Sučić also had another goal disallowed for offside. Ronaldo was eventually substituted for Rúben Neves with 10 minutes remaining, a move that indicated Martínez’s assessment of the match.

The substitution proved effective, as Portugal tightened their defense and began to control possession in the final stages. Play was repeatedly directed to Leão, who ultimately delivered the decisive contribution. His cross was flicked into the net by Gonçalo Ramos, securing Portugal‘s place in the last 16. The celebrations for the goal were extensive, leading the referee to add three extra minutes to stoppage time.

In the final moments, Croatia believed they had found an equalizer, but VAR once again intervened, ruling out Joško Gvardiol‘s goal for offside due to a slight touch from Matanović. This decision sparked protests, with plastic bottles thrown onto the pitch, but the outcome remained unchanged. Portugal will now face Spain in the last-16 tie, following Spain‘s 3-0 victory over Austria.

Source: theguardian.com

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Mauricio Pochettino, manager of the US national team, expressed frustration with journalists following his team’s 3-2 loss to Turkey on Thursday. He indicated that he expected congratulations for securing first place in Group D, finding questions about the ‘dead-rubber’ match to be “weird.”

The US had already clinched the top spot in their group due to strong performances in earlier matches. These included a 4-1 victory against Paraguay, where the team scored more goals in a World Cup match than ever before, and a 2-0 win over Australia, marking their first time achieving a six-point start to a World Cup campaign.

Much of the pre-match discussion against Turkey focused on whether the US could maintain their momentum. The loss, sealed by a Turkey goal in the final moments, prompted questions about the team’s continuity heading into their next match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday.

Pochettino dismissed concerns about momentum, stating, “[Momentum] is a topic that I don’t understand.” He questioned the necessity of playing the same team that faced Australia, citing risks such as yellow cards that could impact future availability. He also referenced Germany‘s 2-1 loss to Ecuador, asking if they too lost momentum. He concluded that the objective was to finish first, which they achieved, and they are now ready for the next stage, describing it as a final.

Despite his outward demeanor, Pochettino insisted he was happy. “I think it’s all positive, and I am so positive, and I am happy. Maybe I am not showing because your questions are a little bit weird, but I am so happy, and the players are happy, because I think we perform, we compete, and we are first,” he explained. He noted a perceived negative atmosphere in the press conference, contrasting it with the team’s achievement, saying, “Maybe I am confused, but the mood, the vibes [in here] is like we go home tonight and Turkey stays.”

Match Details and Player Performances

The match against Turkey saw a significantly altered US lineup, with nine changes from the team that played Australia. This allowed key players like Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, and Antonee Robinson to rest, avoiding potential suspensions for the upcoming match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The game was an action-packed affair, with Turkey ultimately securing a 3-2 victory thanks to a late winner from Kaan Ayhan.

The US started strongly, with Auston Trusty scoring his first international goal in under three minutes, making it the second-fastest US goal in a World Cup. Trusty, a backup center-back, was unmarked at the far post from a corner, allowing him to control the ball and score. However, Turkey responded, with Arda Guler equalizing in the 10th minute after a clever move that set up Baris Alper Yilmaz, who then crossed back to Guler.

Turkey took the lead in the 31st minute when Guler found Eren Elmali, who cut the ball back to Yilmaz for the goal. The US managed to draw level in the 49th minute through Sebastian Berhalter, who struck a low shot into the bottom corner after a long throw from Mark McKenzie was cleared to him. The game also saw the return of Christian Pulisic, nicknamed “Captain America,” who came off the bench in the 58th minute after recovering from an injury sustained in the opening win against Paraguay. Pulisic immediately showed his impact, creating several chances.

Despite the low stakes for both teams, the Los Angeles Stadium was packed and created a loud atmosphere. For Turkey, who were already eliminated and had not scored in their previous two matches, the game offered an opportunity to restore pride. Their victory was celebrated jubilantly, while US players gathered in a circle after the final whistle, seemingly determined not to let the defeat overshadow their successful campaign.

Pochettino’s Perspective and Future Outlook

Pochettino continued to emphasize the positive aspects of his team’s performance, particularly in light of the significant lineup changes. He highlighted that many players made their debut or first start, contributing to the team’s growth. “I think we are much better team now than before. I think it’s not easy to do after winning two games, preparing for the next stage and playing a team that is not playing for nothing. It was difficult for the boys to go there and try to perform and that’s why I’m so happy about the performance,” he stated.

He expressed his disappointment that the press had not acknowledged the team’s achievement of winning a challenging group. “At the moment, no one congratulated us for finishing first in a very difficult group. I congratulate the players, the staff and USA and the fans to finish first in a very difficult group,” Pochettino remarked. He reiterated this point later, saying, “I’m sorry guys, it cannot be possible that Turkey finishes celebrating the three points, Australia is celebrating the qualification, Paraguay celebrating the qualification, and [I] come here, and for you not to say congratulations, that we won the group. That is a little bit sad. I need to [remind] you and everyone that we won the group. You guys, we won.”

The return of Pulisic was a significant positive takeaway for Pochettino, who noted the importance of him getting playing time. “One of the objectives in that game, not only was to win, (it was) to provide Christian in between 30 and 40 minutes to get the feeling to be ready for the next game, that is important too,” he said. The US team is now set to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on Wednesday.

Source: theguardian.com

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England’s second group stage match ends in stalemate

England played to a 0-0 draw against Ghana in their second World Cup group stage match. This result followed a 4-2 victory over Croatia in their opening game, and the draw means the group standings remain finely balanced. The match saw England struggle to break down a defensively organised Ghana side, with the team’s performance described as lacklustre.

Manager Thomas Tuchel‘s squad faced a different challenge compared to their first fixture. Ghana, under new manager Carlos Queiroz, adopted a compact 4-5-1 system, focusing on defensive solidity. This approach limited England‘s attacking opportunities, forcing them to labour in creating chances.

Key moments and missed opportunities

The first half offered little to quicken the pulse of England supporters, with Tuchel‘s team registering six shots but none on target. Ghana‘s goalkeeper, Benjamin Asare, remained largely untroubled. Frustration was evident, with Jude Bellingham engaging in a heated exchange with Queiroz after a challenge in the 45th minute.

Despite England‘s struggles, there were moments where they nearly found a breakthrough late in the game. Substitutes played a role in these instances. Bukayo Saka tested Asare with a low shot, and Nico O’Reilly hit the top of the post with a header after Reece James delivered a cross. From the rebound, Harry Kane missed an opportunity, sending his shot high. In stoppage time, Marc Guéhi had a header cleared from the goal line.

Ghana also had moments that caused concern for England. In the 79th minute, substitute Prince Kwabena Adu advanced into the box, leading to a challenge from Ezri Konsa. Ghana‘s appeals for a penalty were denied, with Konsa receiving the benefit of the doubt. Earlier, Jordan Pickford was involved in a reckless dash from his line, colliding with Adu, but the referee awarded a free-kick to the goalkeeper.

Player performances and tactical considerations

Several England players’ performances came under scrutiny following the draw. Jordan Pickford, while not forced into many saves, was considered fortunate to avoid a penalty decision after his challenge on Prince Adu. Reece James started brightly on the right with Noni Madueke but his influence waned as the game progressed. Ezri Konsa was also deemed fortunate to escape a penalty call after a challenge on Adu.

Marc Guéhi had the most touches for England but his ability to help break down the opposition was questioned. Djed Spence, a surprise inclusion, struggled in his role, often drifting infield and hindering England‘s attacking momentum. Elliot Anderson, despite high touch and pass completion statistics, was criticised for not being brave enough with his passing and for being clumsy defensively at times.

Declan Rice‘s set-piece delivery was noted as being below his usual standards, which was significant in a game where England created few chances. Noni Madueke‘s early link-up play with James faded, highlighting the importance of Bukayo Saka‘s return to full fitness. Jude Bellingham, despite his efforts to spark the team, found space limited and his only shot on goal was blocked by defenders. Anthony Gordon, starting ahead of Marcus Rashford, struggled to make an impact and was withdrawn after registering England‘s first shot on target in the 57th minute.

Harry Kane, who had been crucial in the victory against Croatia, was largely a bystander and missed a significant opportunity late in the game. Among the substitutes, Nico O’Reilly made a strong impression, almost scoring with a header. Bukayo Saka also showed his importance, posing a threat that England had lacked and forcing Benjamin Asare into one of his three saves. Tuchel‘s assistant, Anthony Barry, noted that Ghana defended even deeper than anticipated.

The draw means England did not maintain the momentum from their win against Croatia. The team now looks ahead to their next fixture against Panama, with suggestions that Saka may start that match.

Source: theguardian.com

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