London, July 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Geovany Quenda from Sporting Lisbon on a contract that runs until 2034. The Premier League club also announced that Jesse Derry has signed a new contract until 2032.

Quenda is regarded as one of the brightest talents in European football, having played a key role in Sporting winning the Portuguese league and cup double last year.

He was also named Primeira Liga Young Player of the Season in 2025 and has featured regularly for Sporting in the past two seasons, used in both attacking wide positions or at wing-back.

‘It feels great to be here,' the 19-year-old said. "The club has shown faith in players like me and I am proud to be here, proud to be part of this club. I am excited to work with my team-mates and the Manager, Xabi Alonso. I'm a very hard-working young person and I like to help my team. I want to be someone known for having the right mentality to help my team-mates and who does their best for the club to win trophies."

Quenda became the youngest player ever to score for Sporting in his debut season and finished the campaign having already amassed 54 games in all competitions as they won the Double. He also holds the record as the youngest Portuguese player to find the net in the UEFA Champions League.

He has most recently been representing Portugal at Under-21 level and was named in the Team of the Tournament for the 2025 European Championships.

After impressing in the Chelsea Academy, Derry made his senior debut in our FA Cup fourth-round tie against Hull City, and followed that up with his first start in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest towards the end of last season.

‘It’s a dream come true to commit my future to such a big club like Chelsea,’ Derry said after signing his deal. "I’m just so excited for what’s to come. This last 12 months, I feel like a completely different player than when I first joined and that’s credit to all the coaches I’ve worked with. They've played such a big part in helping me get better.

"Just having that little snippet of playing for the first team last season, I couldn't have thought of anywhere else I'd want to be for my future. It was a no-brainer."

Source: IANS

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Mexico City, July 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) Rafael Marquez has been appointed Mexico head coach on a deal running until 2030, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) said on Thursday.

The 47-year-old replaces Javier Aguirre, who stepped down after Mexico's 3-2 defeat by England in the World Cup round of 16 on Sunday.

"The appointment of Rafael Marquez is part of an orderly transition envisaged within the FMF's institutional vision to continue the work carried out during the last World Cup cycle, strengthen the sporting development of the Mexico national team and prepare for its upcoming international commitments," read an FMF statement.

Marquez, a former defender who won 148 caps for Mexico, had been a member of Aguirre's coaching staff since July 2024.

Following Mexico's 3-2 defeat at the hands of England in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and Javier Aguirre agreed to call time on his reign as national team manager.

The FMF said Aguirre had left a "lasting legacy" after overseeing 22 wins, nine draws and six defeats in his third spell in charge of the national team.

“Aguirre’s legacy will remain forever in our history,” the Mexican federation stated on social media.

During his third spell in charge of the team, which lasted nearly two years, Aguirre became the manager with the most victories in the history of the national side. He managed 50 matches, with a record of 33 wins, nine draws and eight defeats and secured the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Nations League in 2025.

After the round of 16 defeat to England, Aguirre stated he would be leaving the job and informally announced the appointment of Marquez, who served as his assistant manager during this spell. “I gave Rafa Marquez a big hug… he has four very good years ahead of him; there is a solid foundation,” Aguirre said.

Marquez's announcement was accompanied by the phrase: “The continuation of a legacy, with a long-term and transitional project.”

Source: IANS

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Rio de Janeiro, July 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) Santos has given Neymar time off to contemplate his future after Brazil's World Cup round-of-16 exit, Brazilian media reported on Wednesday.

Brazil's all-time leading scorer has six months left on his Santos contract, but local press has cast doubt over whether he will continue playing at any level following his international retirement.

"Neymar's future at Santos will be decided after a vacation period," the report said, adding Santos was "waiting for a signal" to meet with the forward and his representatives, reports Xinhua.

Neymar remains in the United States with his family and will have at least 10 days off, according to the outlet.

The 34-year-old announced his Brazil retirement after Sunday's 2-1 defeat by Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium, a result that marked the South American team's earliest World Cup elimination since 1990.

"I tried, I tried. Now it's over. I started here, and I finished here," Neymar said, referring to his international debut at the same venue in 2010.

Neymar's father suggested his son was also considering ending his club career in a post on social media after Brazil's defeat.

"I want to make a request as a father. Ney, keep playing football. Feel the joy of having the ball at your feet again. Smile on the field again," Neymar Senior wrote on Instagram.

Neymar has made 43 appearances across all competitions for Santos since rejoining his boyhood club in January 2025.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti included Neymar in his World Cup squad in May despite the attacker's injury problems and an almost three-year international absence.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star made two appearances as a substitute in the tournament, scoring a late penalty against Norway.

Source: IANS

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Berlin, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Rudi Voller will remain sporting director of the German Football Association (DFB) and help oversee the national team's rebuild, with Jurgen Klopp expected to play a central role in the new setup, the 66-year-old confirmed.

Voller's future had come under scrutiny after Germany's World Cup round of 16 elimination by Paraguay and the subsequent resignation of head coach Julian Nagelsmann.

The former Germany coach said on Tuesday he had decided to fulfil his DFB contract, which runs through the 2028 European Championship, after receiving strong backing from senior officials and figures across German football, reports Xinhua.

"I am carrying on," Voller told a small group of media representatives in Frankfurt. "The overall package was ultimately the decisive factor in my continuing."

Voller said a lengthy telephone conversation with Klopp on Saturday had been particularly important. Klopp, the DFB's preferred candidate to succeed Nagelsmann, had made clear that he wanted Voller to remain involved.

DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and Hans-Joachim Watzke also supported his continuation, while Voller said he had received encouragement from Red Bull sporting executive Oliver Mintzlaff and several Bundesliga officials.

"The decisive thing is sporting success, and I also have to be judged by that," Voller said. "For me, it was about whether it still made sense and whether I was still wanted."

Speculation had increased after Voller backed Nagelsmann following Germany's elimination, only for the coach to resign days later. Questions were also raised over how Voller might fit into a structure led by Klopp.

Voller said Klopp had given him the impression that their cooperation would "work superbly", while Watzke described the former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool coach as dominant but capable of working within a team.

Watzke and Neuendorf are due to travel to New York later this week for talks with Mintzlaff over Klopp's release from Red Bull and with Klopp over contract details, including salary.

Voller said he would not join the trip but was confident the negotiations would result in an agreement. "They can take care of that," he said. He added that under Klopp, he intended to operate more in the background and step forward only when necessary to "keep the whole operation together".

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Zlatko Dalic stepped down as Croatia head coach on Wednesday, bringing an end to his nearly nine-year tenure following the team's round-of-32 exit from the FIFA World Cup after a stoppage-time 2-1 defeat to Portugal.

In a statement released by the Croatian Football Federation, the 59-year-old said the time had come to conclude one of the most successful eras in the country's football history despite still possessing the desire to continue.

"I thank President Kustić for the exceptional support and excellent collaboration we've had, as well as the trust to continue. The support I've received in recent days prompted me to reconsider my decision to leave, but... It's time. No matter how much I still feel the ambition and desire to write new successes with Croatia, I feel this is the right moment to conclude this incredible era. I'm leaving with a full heart and proud to have contributed to the greatest successes in Croatian football history, and to my successor, the Croatian national team, and Croatian football, I wish many new triumphs in which I deeply believe,” Dalic said in a statement issued by Croatia’s football federation.

Dalic’s final match in charge ended in heartbreak as Gonçalo Ramos struck deep into stoppage time to send Portugal through. Croatia had briefly believed they had forced extra time through Joško Gvardiol, only for the goal to be ruled out after semi-automated technology determined Igor Matanović had made contact with the ball from an offside position during the build-up.

Reflecting on his journey since taking over the national team in October 2017, Dalic described managing Croatia as the greatest honour of his career and admitted he had never imagined the heights the team would reach under his leadership.

"The role of a selector demands many tough decisions, but this one has certainly been the hardest for me. I've always said there's no greater honour than leading your national team, and that I couldn't have a more important, responsible, or beautiful job than this. When I took over the national team, I believed in the players' quality and in myself, but I didn't dare dream that we'd achieve everything we have over these nearly nine years.

“I can't describe how proud I am of every victory, of qualifying for major tournaments, of the three medals, of those great nights in Croatian football like when we beat England or Brazil at World Cups, but most of all, of the unity we've achieved within the team and with the Croatian people, which we especially witnessed in those unforgettable homecomings after winning world medals,” he stated.

During his tenure, Dalic guided Croatia to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final in Russia before leading the side to a third-place finish in Qatar four years later, establishing the nation as one of international football's most consistent tournament performers.

The outgoing coach also thanked the federation's staff, his coaching team, and supporters who accompanied Croatia throughout the journey.

"It's impossible to achieve such successes without quality, invested effort, and belief in what you do. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who poured their knowledge and energy into all this we've accomplished together—my coaches and collaborators at headquarters, doctors, physiotherapists, economists, and the entire HNS logistics team that always supported us brilliantly. Thank you to the Union's leadership for their support, thank you to the fans for the incredible backing we've had on this journey, and thank you to all those media outlets that helped create a positive atmosphere around the national team while constructively criticising us. And ultimately, thank you to my family, without whose support none of this would have been possible for me,” Dalic added.

Dalic reserved special praise for the players, from long-serving captain Luka Modric to the next generation that has gradually taken over the national side, expressing confidence that Croatia's future remains secure.

"Of course, in all those successes, the most important ones are those on the pitch. I'm deeply privileged to have had the opportunity to lead such brilliant footballers and quality people, from our captain Luka Modrić to all the veterans who were with me back in Russia, right down to the young lads we've brought into the national team who have taken on and continue to take on increasingly important roles.

"I'm immensely grateful to them for putting Croatia above everything, for always showing through their behaviour, commitment, and approach what Croatian national team culture is all about. Croatia has a bright future in all of them, and as long as the national team remains a sacred duty for them as it has been for generations before—as Croatia will remain strong, competitive, and a match for anyone,” Dalic concluded.

Paying tribute to Dalic's contribution, the Croatian Football Federation hailed his achievements in a farewell message.

“A humble arrival. An unforgettable journey. A proud farewell. Following nearly nine years, head coach Zlatko Dalic has decided to close his incredibly successful chapter with #Croatia. Head coach, thank you for everything – the victories, the achievements, the qualifying berths, the medals, the unity, the respect, and your unwavering commitment to fighting for Croatia, both on and off the pitch. The results speak of your coaching virtues. The respect you've earned from your players, staff, and opponents speaks volumes about the person you are,” the federation said in a statement.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Indian Super League (ISL) Managing Committee on Wednesday announced a significant restructuring of the league's operational framework, with the clubs set to assume control of the competition's commercial rights while the national federation retains administrative oversight and regulatory responsibilities.

The announcement was made at a joint press conference attended by AIFF Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan, Head of Competitions Akshay Rohatgi, FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur, NorthEast United FC CEO Mandar Tamhane and Sporting Club Delhi CEO Dhruv Sood.

Under the new structure, the ISL will transition to a club-led commercial model, with the Managing Committee taking charge of broadcasting and sponsorship rights, while the AIFF continues to oversee the league's governance and key operational matters.

“From our side, we are very committed to making this league one of the best in Asia. We are also keeping in mind the recent Supreme Court’s order and the new National Sports Governance Act,” Satyanarayan said.

The next step in the process will see the Managing Committee issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to appoint a broadcast partner and begin securing commercial sponsorships. Meanwhile, the AIFF will write to all 14 participating clubs seeking confirmation of their participation in the 2026-27 campaign.

Explaining the rationale behind the revamped structure, NorthEast United FC CEO Mandar Tamhane said the shift was aimed at ensuring the league's long-term financial stability.

"It will be a broadcast-driven model. We are moving towards a club-led model because both the clubs and the AIFF believe it is the right approach from the perspective of long-term commercial and financial sustainability,” Tamhane stated.

The upcoming season will also mark the return of a complete home-and-away league format after previous editions were affected by scheduling constraints.

"We will have a full-fledged season where every team will play their respective home and away games in a full quota rather than having to play a truncated format. We look forward to working collectively with the AIFF to try and ensure that the league is as successful as it can be," said FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur.

The league calendar will be aligned with FIFA international match windows in September, October, November and March, while also accommodating the AFC club competition commitments of Indian representatives FC Goa and East Bengal.

Addressing the availability of players for national duty, Satyanarayan said discussions with clubs had already begun to ensure longer preparation periods for the Indian team.

"We have already had several rounds of discussions with the clubs and requested them to release players for a longer period for the ‘National Interest.’ The earlier we move forward with the process, the better we can plan the scheduling. We are hopeful this will happen with the cooperation from the clubs, particularly as the league is now being run jointly by the clubs and the AIFF,” Satyanarayan added.

Sporting Club Delhi CEO Dhruv Sood also welcomed the support extended by stakeholders during the club's debut campaign, saying, "In SC Delhi's first season, the Ministry did come forward and offered their full support to the league, with regard to the availability of stadiums. The AIFF also did their best to reduce the cost of the league".

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Tagore International School, Step by Step School, Noida, The Air Force School, Subroto Park, and DAV Public School, Faridabad, registered convincing victories in the Boys’ category, while Sapphire International School, Noida, emerged victorious in the Girls’ category on Day 2 of the Oriental Cup 2026 football tournament on Wednesday.

Relentless rain and waterlogged conditions at the Dr. Ambedkar Stadium brought the resilient spirit to the fore on Day 2, as young footballers competed with energy and determination.

Tagore International School began the day with a 2-0 victory over Sapphire International School, Noida, in the Boys’ category. Ayushman Sharma scored once in each half, opening the scoring in the fourth minute before adding his second in the 29th minute to seal Tagore International’s passage to the next round.

In the corresponding Girls’ fixture, Sapphire International School defeated Tagore International School 2-0. Dhanvi Chawla opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Aadya Chawla doubled the advantage in the 12th minute, with the two first-half goals proving enough to secure the victory.

St. Francis De Sales Senior Secondary School advanced in both the Boys’ and Girls’ categories after receiving walkovers against St. Mary’s School, Safdarjung Enclave.

Step by Step School, Noida, registered a commanding 4-0 victory over The Indian School in the Boys’ category. Chitman Singh opened the scoring in the ninth minute and completed his brace in the 16th minute. Yuvaan Krishna added the third in the 20th minute before Vansh Gulati rounded off the scoring in the 27th minute.

Step by Step School also advanced in the Girls’ category after receiving a walkover against The Indian School.

The Air Force School, Subroto Park, secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Father Agnel School, Noida, with Arnab Kashyap scoring all three goals. Kashyap opened the scoring in the fifth minute, doubled the advantage in the 15th minute, and completed his hat-trick in the 25th minute.

In the last fixture of the day, DAV Public School, Faridabad, defeated Maharaja Aggarsain Adarsh Public School 5-0. Hitesh Solanki opened the scoring in the third minute before Pawan Gupta doubled the advantage in the second half. Tarun Gaur then scored a hat-trick to complete the emphatic victory.

The Oriental Cup 2026 continues on Thursday with more teams taking the field as the competition for places in the next round intensifies. The fourth edition, being held from July 7 to July 16 at Dr. Ambedkar Stadium, is expected to feature over 1,500 student-athletes representing more than 45 teams from across Delhi-NCR. The tournament features a more than doubled prize pool and a ₹2.5 lakh scholarship programme for 10 deserving student-athletes.

Results (Match Day 2):

Boys’ Category:

Tagore International School 2-0 Sapphire International School, Noida

St. Francis De Sales Senior Secondary School beat St. Mary’s School, Safdarjung Enclave by walkover

Step by Step School, Noida 4-0 The Indian School

The Air Force School, Subroto Park 3-0 Father Agnel School, Noida

DAV Public School, Faridabad 5-0 Maharaja Aggarsain Adarsh Public School

Girls’ Category

Sapphire International School, Noida 2-0 Tagore International School

St. Francis De Sales Senior Secondary School beat St. Mary’s School, Safdarjung Enclave by walkover

Step by Step School, Noida beat The Indian School by walkover

Source: IANS

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Rabat, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Former Morocco winger Zakaria Aboukhlal has warned the Atlas Lions that they cannot afford to rely solely on defensive resilience against France, insisting they must also be brave in possession when the two sides renew their FIFA World Cup rivalry in Friday's quarterfinal.

The fixture marks the first World Cup meeting between the nations since France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the semi-finals of the 2022 tournament in Qatar, ending the Atlas Lions' historic run as the first African and Arab nation to reach the last four.

Aboukhlal, who came on as a second-half substitute in that semi-final, said France remain one of the most dangerous teams in world football because of their ability to capitalise on the smallest errors.

"I remember the intensity and the feeling that we were still in the game. Even though we were behind, we kept believing and pushing. France were difficult because they punished every small mistake. They have speed, experience, and players who can decide a match in one moment. Sometimes you feel you are in control, but one transition can change everything," Aboukhlal told FIFA.

The Torino winger believes Morocco's task goes beyond containing France star Kylian Mbappé, stressing that Les Bleus possess match-winners all over the pitch.

"Of course, Mbappe is one of the best players in the world, so you have to be aware of him. But France are not only Mbappé. They have quality everywhere.

"Morocco will have to defend together, stay compact, and not give France too much space in transition. But they also have to be brave with the ball. Against France, you cannot survive. You need moments where you make them defend as well," he added.

Although Aboukhlal was not selected for Morocco's 2026 World Cup squad, he has closely followed the team's progress and believes the current side has matured significantly since its breakthrough campaign in Qatar.

"The maturity. They look calm, confident, and together. They don't look surprised to be at this stage. They want to play to their own strengths, no matter who the opponent is," he said.

Aboukhlal also praised the leadership within the current squad following the retirement of former captain Romain Saiss, highlighting goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, defender Noussair Mazraoui, and skipper Achraf Hakimi as key figures.

"Of course, Romain was a big leader, but this team has more leaders now. Bono is one of them, and you also have players like Mazraoui and Hakimi who understand what it means to represent Morocco," he said.

Despite acknowledging France's quality, Aboukhlal believes another deep World Cup run would confirm Morocco's rise among football's elite. "It would be massive, but more than that, it would show that Morocco have continued on the path they started in 2022. They have already proven they built something special, and now they are showing consistency at the highest level.

"It would confirm that Morocco is not just capable of one great tournament, but that they can compete with the best again and again," he concluded.

Source: IANS

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Cairo, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Egyptian Football Federation (EFF) has reportedly approached the governing body FIFA, lodging a formal protest against the decisions of referee Francois Letexier after their team suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat against the defending champions Argentina in Atlanta on Tuesday.

Egypt appeared close to a historic upset after taking a 2-0 lead, but Argentina produced a late comeback, with Lionel Messi playing a decisive role by scoring one goal and setting up another before Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround in stoppage time.

However, the match left the Egyptian camp furious as several key decisions by the officials went against the team, including a disallowed goal following a VAR review and a penalty appeal that was not reviewed in the buildup to Argentina's winning goal.

According to a report in Spanish publication Diario AS, the president of the Egypt Football Association, Hany Abo Rida, has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA against French referee Francois Letexier and his officiating team.

The report further states that the complaint calls for an investigation into what Egypt describes as controversial decisions that went against the Pharaohs. The federation has also officially requested that the French officiating team be removed from the remainder of the tournament because of what it considers crucial errors.

Earlier, the Egyptian coach Hasan also showed disappointment with several decisions. He also suggested that the outcome was affected by factors beyond what happened on the pitch, even implying that there was a desire for Messi and Argentina to remain in the tournament.

"We looked better than the reigning champion - better in everything -, but the result was influenced by internal factors on the pitch and external factors off it," Hassan said. "Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running," he said in the post-match press conference.

"In football, there are sometimes external factors that go beyond the technical aspects. The world champion received support at every level," he added.

Hassan was particularly frustrated by the refereeing of French official Francois Letexier and pointed to two major incidents that he felt changed the course of the game: Egypt's disallowed goal and a late penalty appeal involving Alexis Mac Allister before Fernandez's decisive strike.

"We haven't seen respect or fair play," Hassan said. "A penalty was ruled out. It was not even checked by the VAR, and our second goal was remarkably, for whatever reason, disallowed. We have been treated unfairly, and it has been an injustice."

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 delivered late winners, stunning upsets, dramatic comebacks and emotional farewells as the race for football’s biggest prize narrowed to the final eight.

Morocco kicked off the knockout stage in style with a commanding display to eliminate co-hosts Canada. The Atlas Lions have carried forward the momentum from their memorable run in Qatar, while Canada can take pride in reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history.

France were pushed all the way by a resilient Paraguay side before edging through courtesy of a Kylian Mbappe penalty. Paraguay’s disciplined defensive display looked set to force extra time before Les Bleus found the breakthrough.

The biggest shock of the round came in New Jersey, where Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil. Erling Haaland scored twice to end Brazil’s campaign, while Neymar marked what is expected to be his final World Cup appearance with a late penalty. Norway’s fearless performances have established them as one of the tournament’s surprise packages.

Another football great also bowed out of the competition as Portugal suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Spain. Mikel Merino struck a stoppage-time winner to send Spain into the quarter-finals, bringing Cristiano Ronaldo’s illustrious World Cup journey to an emotional close.

Belgium’s clash was preceded by controversy after Folarin Balogun’s suspension, following his red card in the previous round, was overturned. Belgium responded emphatically on the pitch, cruising to a 4-1 victory to secure a quarter-final berth and eliminate the co-hosts.

Defending champions Argentina produced the tournament's comeback against Egypt. Trailing 2-0, Lionel Messi inspired a remarkable turnaround as Argentina scored three goals in 13 minutes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Egypt came agonisingly close to pulling off a famous upset before crashing out.

The final round of 16 tie also went the distance, with Switzerland defeating Colombia in a penalty shootout to complete the quarter-final lineup.

The last eight promise another round of heavyweight contests. Morocco will look to avenge their 2022 World Cup semi-final defeat when they face France. Spain take on Belgium in a battle between two of Europe’s leading sides, while Norway’s dream run faces its toughest challenge against England in a clash that pits Erling Haaland against Harry Kane.

Switzerland will meet defending champions Argentina, who will hope their dramatic escape in the Round of 16 serves as the catalyst for another deep run in the tournament.

Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE and exclusively on Zee 5 in Hindi, English, Malayalam, and Bangla.

Source: IANS

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Vancouver, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Ruben Vargas said he had yet to fully process Switzerland's progress to the World Cup quarter-finals after converting the decisive penalty in Wednesday's shootout against Colombia. The winger, who had been a fitness doubt before the match, said he was grateful simply to have been able to play in the round-of-16 encounter.

"I don't think I've fully realized it yet; I'm thankful for this moment. I wasn't even sure if I would be able to play," the 27-year-old said after the match as quoted by Xinhua.

Vargas sent Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas the wrong way to seal a 4-3 shootout win after the teams were locked at 0-0 after 120 minutes in Vancouver. Switzerland will face reigning champion Argentina in Kansas City on July 11, marking the European team's first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 1954.

"We somehow managed to give it a try, and looking back now, I'm just grateful and happy that I was able to help the team," he said. "The team worked incredibly hard and fought for more than 120 minutes. It wasn't easy to play football here today. And now we've made history. It simply feels amazing."

Switzerland manager Murat Yakin praised the impact of second-half substitute Djibril Sow, who he said had helped his team regain control in midfield and neutralize Colombia's attacking threat.

"At the start, we needed experience. We needed the right mentality,then, in the second half, we made a substitution that gave us even more control, especially in possession. And as the game went on, we were also able to bring on the players we wanted for the penalty shootout," Yakin said after the match.

"You always have a plan. When it works out in the end, it's all the more satisfying. Of course, we also had a bit of luck today, and that's part of football," he added.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) USA striker Folarin Balogun issued an apology to fans after his team's humiliating FIFA World Cup exit, saying the team was not at its best when it mattered the most.

Balogun into the international spotlight when set to serve a one-match suspension after receiving a red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the Round of 32 victory before US president Donald Trump's intervention helped get his ban overturned so he was able to play against Belgium.

His presence on the field was not enough to secure a win in Seattle as Belgium shattered co-hosts' dream in the last 16 with a 4-1 victory.

"My debut World Cup… it hurts to wait 4 years to compete at the highest level our sport has to offer. I want to say sorry to our fans; it was not good enough when it mattered most, and we let you down. Soccer in America will only become bigger the belief, the talent, and the passion are continually growing, and I know the best days are in front of us. The future belongs to those who never stop believing; this moment will fuel us. We will be back," Balogun shared in his Instagram post.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee's ruling of overtuning Balogun's ban sparked fury around the world. The Belgian Football Association had issued statements expressing "astonishment" at the decision. European football governing body UEFA also condemned the ruling, saying it had "crossed a red line" and could have negative consequences for the game as a whole.

Responding to the criticism, FIFA chief Gianni Infantino reiterated the independence of FIFA's judicial bodies. "I have seen the public comments regarding the decision of the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee related to the suspension of Folarin Balogun, and I would like to reiterate a fundamental principle of FIFA's governance.

Source: IANS

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Vancouver, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Colombia manager Nestor Lorenzo said his side deserved more in the 90 minutes after bowing out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a round-of-16 defeat to Switzerland on penalties.

Colombia controlled more of the possession and had more shots on target but was made to rue a series of missed scoring opportunities. Substitute Jaminton Campaz squandered the clearest chance of the match when he blazed a shot over the bar with only goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to beat late in the game.

With the scores locked at 0-0 after 120 minutes, Ruben Vargas converted the decisive spot kick as Switzerland advanced by beating Colombia 4-3 on penalties.

"We should have scored," Lorenzo told a post-match news conference. "We were aware that this was going to be a tactical, pretty tight match. I believe we deserved a little more in the 90 minutes because of our intentions."

The Argentine manager said fatigue forced Colombia to alter its system as the match wore on, with Campaz replacing Jhon Arias in the 66th minute to provide a greater attacking threat.

"It's of my interest that my team at least makes attempts on goal," he said. "But you pay for those mistakes. In the last World Cup qualifying round against Venezuela and Bolivia we scored nine goals. These guys play in the top leagues. They are top players. Sometimes you score, sometimes you don't."

Lorenzo also praised the standard of goalkeeping throughout the tournament, saying fine margins had often separated teams. "The level they have shown during this World Cup has been amazing," he said.

Striker Luis Suarez lamented Colombia's elimination, insisting it had been capable of advancing further in the tournament. "I think this national team was destined for better things," said Suarez, who failed to score in five World Cup matches.

"I just want to thank the whole country and everyone who filled the stadium here. Let's hope this is a major turning point, because what we showed at this World Cup has to be viewed in a positive light."

Source: IANS

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Atlanta, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) After securing an unforgettable 3-2 Round of 16 victory with a late winner against Egypt in the FIFA World Cup 2026 last-16 tie, Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez said he has been "longing for this goal since the World Cup in Qatar".

Fernandez, who memorably scored in Argentina’s crucial 2-0 win over Mexico four years ago, hadn’t yet played a leading role in the FIFA World Cup 2026 until he made his presence felt in the third minute of stoppage time to head in a perfect cross from Lautaro Martinez, sending the Argentina crowd into a frenzy on Tuesday.

“It’s the most important goal of my career,” said Fernandez after the match. “It’s first, and the second is the Mexico one. I’ve been longing for this goal for about three years, ever since the World Cup in Qatar. To be able to experience moments like this — honestly, I thank God. I feel privileged."

“When the ball went in, I thought of my whole family up there in the stands, of everyone in the stadium, and of the people back in Argentina. Honestly, my heart was filled with emotion and pride. We know that all Argentines are rooting for us, and that’s absolutely crucial for us," he added.

Fernandez and Co. showed great character by rallying from a deficit for the first time in a World Cup match in the Scaloni era. Egypt were in control, leading 2-0 until the 79th minute, when Cristian Romero pulled one back with a header. Then, Lionel Messi equalised in the 83rd minute before the winner from Fernandez, whose goal was the 3,000th in FIFA World Cup history.

“I want to praise my team-mates: we have a phenomenal group u— a group that never gives up and has tremendous quality, no matter the difficulties or adversity. We’re always united,” said Fernandez.

Source: IANS

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Atlanta, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Lionel Scaloni admitted Argentina had made its supporters endure unnecessary anxiety, but he saw something far more important in its dramatic comeback against Egypt: the character and belief of a team that refuses to surrender.

For Scaloni, the 3-2 victory in Atlanta was about more than simply surviving a difficult World Cup knockout match. It reflected Argentina's identity -- a side that continues to fight regardless of the circumstances and never accepts defeat as an option.

"We made our supporters suffer even though we didn't have a bad game," the Argentina coach said after the victory. "I am a coach for moments like these. What we showed today goes beyond simply going through. We would have been eliminated if we hadn't fought."

Argentina appeared to be heading toward a stunning exit after Egypt raced into a 2-0 lead, but the defending champion produced a remarkable late turnaround. Cristian Romero started the comeback before Lionel Messi equalized, and Enzo Fernandez completed the rescue act with a stoppage-time winner, reports Xinhua.

Despite the scoreline, Scaloni insisted he never believed the match had slipped away. The coach felt Argentina had created enough opportunities throughout the game and had been punished mainly for failing to convert its earlier chances.

"I always felt the game was on our side. Beyond the result, I don't think the team was playing badly. We had chances," Scaloni said.

He also credited Egypt for its performance, describing it as "an excellent team" that took advantage of its opportunities, while maintaining that Argentina's overall display was much improved from its previous knockout match.

"Against Cabo Verde, it was worse; we really looked in trouble. Today, even when it was 0-2, the feeling was that at some point we would get a chance and could turn it around," Scaloni said. "Today we played totally different soccer."

The most emotional moment of the night, however, belonged to Messi. The Argentina captain missed a first-half penalty and briefly looked set to become the symbol of a painful elimination. Instead, he responded with a goal, an assist and the determination that helped inspire one of Argentina's most memorable comebacks.

Scaloni praised Messi's character and determination after another influential performance, describing the veteran forward as an example for everyone in the squad. "Messi is a role model for all the players," he said. "He missed a penalty, but he still asks for the ball and goes on and on."

The final whistle brought an emotional outpouring in the Argentina camp, with Scaloni and Messi shedding tears after a comeback that had seemed almost impossible minutes earlier. For Scaloni, those moments are exactly why former players often choose a career in coaching.

"I always get emotional. Sometimes the tears come out," Scaloni said. "The tears came in the dressing room, too. The boys even call me 'the cry baby,' but I don't care."

"For all of us who played soccer for 20 years, to feel what we felt today again is incredible. I think most coaches who played soccer become coaches because of days like this, because of those emotions, the adrenaline," he added.

The dramatic victory in Atlanta strengthened Argentina's belief as its title defense continues, with Scaloni convinced that the team's mentality will remain one of its greatest strengths.

Source: IANS

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Tlanta, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Egypt's World Cup campaign ended in frustration, with head coach Hossam Hassan questioning the fairness of the tournament after his side suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat to defending champion Argentina in Atlanta.

Egypt appeared close to a historic upset after taking a 2-0 lead, but Argentina produced a late comeback, with Lionel Messi playing a decisive role by scoring one goal and setting up another before Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround in stoppage time.

However, the match left the Egyptian camp furious. Hassan argued that several key decisions went against his team, including a disallowed goal following a VAR review and a penalty appeal that was not reviewed in the buildup to Argentina's winning goal.

The Egypt coach suggested the outcome was affected by factors beyond what happened on the pitch, even implying that there was a desire for Messi and Argentina to remain in the tournament, reports Xinhua.

"We looked better than the reigning champion - better in everything - but the result was influenced by internal factors on the pitch and external factors off it," Hassan said. "Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running."

"In football, there are sometimes external factors that go beyond the technical aspects. The world champion received support at every level."

Hassan was particularly frustrated by the refereeing of French official Francois Letexier and pointed to two major incidents that he felt changed the course of the game: Egypt's disallowed goal and a late penalty appeal involving Alexis Mac Allister before Fernandez's decisive strike.

"We haven't seen respect or fair play," Hassan said. "A penalty was ruled out. It was not even checked by the VAR, and our second goal was remarkably, for whatever reason, disallowed. We have been treated unfairly and it has been an injustice."

He also criticised the scheduling of the match, arguing that the midday kickoff placed unnecessary demands on the players. The coach revealed that he confronted Letexier after the final whistle, telling the referee that he believed the decisions had been unfair.

"What I told the referee was, 'This is unfair,'" Hassan said. "I said maybe he is carrying a scar or has something to hide."

Source: IANS

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Vancouver, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Switzerland have qualified for the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954 after edging Colombia on penalties 4-3 following a gritty goalless draw.

Ruben Vargas fired home the winning kick to send the Swiss to their first quarter-final in over seven decades. Switzerland will take on Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 last eight.

"I didn't even know if I would be able to play. I'm just grateful that I could help the team. I felt very confident before the penalty. The fact that I was even able to convert the decisive attempt is just awesome," Vargas said.

Murat Yakin's side had been dealt a major pre-match blow with the news that Johan Manzambi, the team’s breakout star, had been ruled out with a knee injury. The absence of the livewire attacker was certainly felt in a forgettable first half, which Colombia dominated without creating any clear-cut chances, FIFA reports.

Their best effort came in the shape of a Gustavo Puerta curler from just outside the box, which forced the impressive Gregor Kobel into an acrobatic save.

Clear sights of goal were rare, and that made it all the more frustrating for Colombia’s fans when Luis Suarez took aim midway through the second half and sliced wastefully wide.

At the other end, Camilo Vargas’ only employment came when Switzerland winger Fabian Rieder rifled in a left-foot volley that required a solid, if routine, save.

Extra time offered more excitement, with Colombia’s Jhon Lucumi rattling the crossbar with a header, Swiss substitute Zeki Amdouni forcing a save from Vargas and Jaminton Campaz blazing over when it seemed easier to score.

Penalties were required to settle the outcome, and after Sanchez had blasted his against the underside of the crossbar and Hernandez was denied by Kobel, Vargas slotted home decisively to send the Swiss through.

Source: IANS

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Atlanta, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Lionel Messi assisted and scored a goal while Enzo Fernández struck the winner in stoppage time as defending champions Argentina produced a comeback for the ages for a sensational 3-2 win over Egypt and sealed a place in the quarterfinals in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Atlanta on Tuesday.

Argentina fought back from 0-2 down in the round of 16 match after Yasser Ibrahim (15th min) and Mostafa Zico (62nd min) had scored for Egypt and created the possibility of the defending champions ending their campaign early, joining the five-time winner Brazil and Germany on the scrap heap.

But Messi weaved his magic, first launching the attack and providing the assist to Cristian Romero's goal in the 79th minute and then getting onto the scoresheet himself in the 83rd minute as Lautaro hooked a deep ball into the area, which dropped favourably for the Argentine captain, who laced it towards goal. Goalkeeper Shobeir gets a hand on it, but it hits the bar and goes in to make it 2-2.

Enzo Fernandez then sealed victory for Argentina by scoring an incredible goal in the third minute of stoppage time, making it 3-2 for Argentina. Lautaro swung a deep cross to the back post, and Enzo Fernandez met it and sent the ball back from where it came and into the far corner.

Earlier, Argentina conceded a goal in the first half of a World Cup match for the first time since their 2018 Round of 16 tie against France. They had not conceded in the first half in their last 11 matches before this match.

Yasser Ibrahim headed Egypt into a shock lead, before Mostafa Shoubir protected it magnificently. The goalkeeper dived south-west to save a Messi penalty, which Nicolas Tagliafico had craftily earned, and made superb stops from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez.

Egypt thought they had made it two just before the hour. Haissem Hassan made an imperial dash down the right and fed Salah, who enabled Zico to ripple the net. The goal was, however, ruled out for a foul in the build-up. It merely delayed the Al Ahly man doubling the lead, though, as he finished off a rapid counter-attack involving Salah and Hassan.

It left Egypt on the cusp of victory, but Argentina were not done yet. They missed many chances but did not lose patience as they attacked repeatedly and created opportunities, and scripted a great comeback.

Christian Romero pulled one back, Messi’s brilliant finish equalised, and Fernandez completed an epic survival story.

Source: IANS

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Madrid, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Spain's victory over Portugal in the World Cup Round of 16 has increased the likelihood that several opening-weekend matches in the upcoming 2026-27 season of La Liga will be postponed.

La Liga is scheduled to begin on the weekend of August 15-16, but an agreement provides that clubs with players involved in the World Cup semifinals will not be required to begin their domestic campaign until a week later. Any postponed fixtures are expected to be rescheduled between the second and third rounds of the season.

Real Madrid's opening match against Real Sociedad has already been affected. Real Madrid has players representing both France and Morocco, including Kylian Mbappé, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Brahim Diaz. With France and Morocco meeting in the quarterfinals, at least one Madrid player is guaranteed to reach the semifinals, reports Xinhua.

Spain's progression has further complicated the situation, with more La Liga clubs now certain to have players involved in the latter stages of the tournament.

Spain's football players' union maintains that players are entitled to a minimum of three weeks' vacation each summer. With the World Cup ending on July 19, finalists would not have sufficient recovery time before the start of the new domestic season if they were required to play on the opening weekend.

Other major European leagues have largely avoided the issue by delaying the start of their seasons. The Premier League is set to begin its 2026-27 campaign on the weekend of August 22-23.

Meanwhile, Spain remains the only team yet to concede a goal in the FIFA World Cup 2026, allowing goalkeeper Unai Simon to extend his World Cup finals record for consecutive minutes without conceding to 609.

Aymeric Laporte has also been influential in possession, completing around 90 percent of his passes overall and 85 percent of those played in the opposition half, helping Spain build attacks from the back while maintaining defensive stability.

Against Portugal, Laporte and Cubarsi gave Ronaldo little room to operate. The veteran forward managed just 19 touches throughout the match, only three of them inside the penalty area, as Spain's defenders kept the five-time Ballon d'Or winner largely anonymous.

Spain's defensive record has been built on a collective effort, but the balance provided by Cubarsi's athleticism and Laporte's experience has been central to the team's success. As Ronaldo's World Cup came to an end, Laporte's revival continued with Spain still firmly in the hunt for the title.

Source: IANS

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Madrid, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) La Liga president Javier Tebas has become the latest football administrator to criticise FIFA over its decision to suspend the one-match World Cup ban imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun, describing the episode as "the tip of the iceberg" of what he called a governance model that has steadily eroded the credibility of world football.

Balogun was shown a straight red card after a VAR review for a challenge on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic during the United States' Round of 32 victory, resulting in an automatic one-match suspension. However, FIFA later suspended the sanction for a one-year probationary period, allowing the Arsenal forward to feature in the co-hosts' Round of 16 clash against Belgium on Tuesday.

Despite Balogun's availability, the United States suffered a 4-1 defeat to Belgium, ending their FIFA World Cup campaign.

In a strongly worded statement, Tebas said the controversy reflected deeper structural issues within FIFA rather than being an isolated disciplinary decision.

"The waiver of the sanction on U.S. player Balogun is neither an anecdote nor an isolated error. It is, quite simply, the tip of the iceberg of a governance model that has been eroding the credibility of FIFA and football in general for many years," Tebas wrote on X.

He argued that football's governing body had increasingly interpreted or altered rules for convenience while failing to engage with domestic leagues, which he said form the backbone of professional football throughout the year.

"When rules can be interpreted or modified as convenient; when the most consequential decisions are made without genuine dialogue and agreement with national and domestic leagues... the problem stops being a specific resolution and becomes the system itself," he added.

The La Liga chief also criticised the functioning of FIFA Congresses, claiming major decisions are effectively predetermined.

"FIFA Congresses are grand stagings of unanimity, with no real debate, and decisions that arrive sealed before voting even begins. There are no agreements with national and domestic leagues; decisions are approved that constantly harm them," he said.

"The case of player Balogun does nothing but reinforce that perception; it is the tip of the iceberg. Moreover, if rules are applied with constant arbitrariness, trust disappears. And without trust, there is no institutional credibility," he stated.

Calling for greater accountability, Tebas concluded that football's governing institutions must restore confidence through transparent and consistent decision-making.

"World football deserves institutions that are accountable, respect the rules, and govern with transparency—not through unilateral, discretionary and arbitrary decisions that erode the trust of fans, clubs, leagues and players," he added.

Earlier, UEFA, several football officials, and former FIFA president Sepp Blatter also questioned FIFA's handling of the Balogun case, which has sparked widespread debate over the independence and consistency of the governing body's disciplinary process.

Source: IANS

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New York, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Aymeric Laporte and Cristiano Ronaldo experienced contrasting emotions after Spain eliminated Portugal from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday.

While Ronaldo left the field in tears following Portugal's exit in the Round of 16, Laporte was all smiles after helping Spain book a place in the quarterfinals while extending one of the tournament's most remarkable defensive records.

Laporte spent two years alongside Ronaldo at Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr between 2023 and 2025 before returning to Athletic Club, where he had begun his professional career, reports Xinhua.

His move to Saudi Arabia came at a cost internationally. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente dropped the central defender from the national team, questioning whether the level of competition in the Saudi league provided adequate preparation for international football.

Laporte's return to Athletic last summer followed lengthy negotiations between the clubs and was only completed after FIFA intervened because of an administrative error by Al Nassr on the final day of the transfer window.

The 31-year-old initially struggled to regain full fitness and appeared short of match sharpness after returning to La Liga. However, his positional awareness, composure in possession, and reading of the game gradually restored his form and earned him a recall from De la Fuente.

That decision has paid off at the World Cup. Laporte has started every match, forming an increasingly assured partnership with teenage defender Pau Cubarsi in the heart of Spain's defense.

Spain remains the only team yet to concede a goal at the tournament, allowing goalkeeper Unai Simón to extend his World Cup finals record for consecutive minutes without conceding to 609.

Laporte has also been influential in possession, completing around 90 percent of his passes overall and 85 percent of those played in the opposition half, helping Spain build attacks from the back while maintaining defensive stability.

Against Portugal, Laporte and Cubarsi gave Ronaldo little room to operate. The veteran forward managed just 19 touches throughout the match, only three of them inside the penalty area, as Spain's defenders kept the five-time Ballon d'Or winner largely anonymous.

Spain's defensive record has been built on a collective effort, but the balance provided by Cubarsi's athleticism and Laporte's experience has been central to the team's success. As Ronaldo's World Cup came to an end, Laporte's revival continued with Spain still firmly in the hunt for the title.

Source: IANS

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Paris, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Paris FC have appointed former Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior as the new manager of their men's first team, just months after the Englishman was dismissed by the Premier League club.

The Ligue 1 outfit confirmed on Tuesday that the 41-year-old has signed a contract until June 2028 and will officially begin work on July 9, when the squad returns for pre-season training.

Rosenior returns to football management after his brief spell at Chelsea came to an end in April. The former defender spent less than four months at Stamford Bridge before parting ways with the club.

Paris FC said Rosenior's reputation for developing young players and implementing an ambitious, attacking style of football made him the ideal candidate to lead the club into its next phase.

"Aged 41, Liam Rosenior already boasts considerable experience at the highest level. Known for his ability to nurture young talent, Liam Rosenior is a perfect fit for the philosophy and sporting project championed by Paris FC. His approach to ambitious, attractive and attacking football resonates with the club's future ambitions," the club said in a statement.

Rosenior succeeds Antoine Kombouaré, who guided Paris FC to Ligue 1 survival before leading the club to an 11th-place finish last season. Following discussions between both parties, the club decided to end its association with Kombouaré as it looks to begin a new chapter.

Paris FC sporting director Marco Neppe welcomed the appointment, describing Rosenior as a modern coach capable of developing both players and the team.

"Liam Rosenior possesses all the qualities we were looking for. He is a modern, demanding coach, renowned for his ability to develop both individual players and the team as a whole. Beyond his tactical skills, we were particularly impressed by his management abilities and his capacity to unite a group around a clear vision. I am convinced he has all the qualities to succeed at Paris FC," Neppe said.

A former defender, Rosenior made more than 440 appearances across the Premier League and Championship before moving into coaching in 2020. He has previously held managerial roles at Derby County, Hull City, and Strasbourg before his short-lived spell at Chelsea.

Source: IANS

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Atlanta, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has insisted his side will take on defending champions Argentina without fear in their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash in Atlanta on Tuesday, saying his players must focus on their own game rather than be overawed by the reputation of Lionel Messi and his teammates.

While acknowledging that Argentina will start as favourites, Hassan said his squad believes it has what it takes to spring a surprise against the reigning world champions.

"If we ran a poll right now about who would win tomorrow, we all know the majority would favour them because we're facing one of the game's giants in Argentina," Hassan said as quoted by FIFA.

"But in the Egypt camp, we have a different conviction, and we'd answer that poll differently. Tomorrow's match won't be easy for us, but it won't be easy for them either. We have enormous respect for Argentina, but we have a goal, and we intend to achieve it," He added.

Egypt head into the knockout fixture unbeaten in four matches at the tournament, and Hassan believes his side's impressive run has prepared them for their biggest test yet.

"We're ready for the match – and how could we not be? We're playing in the Round of 16 at the World Cup against Argentina, the world champions, and against legendary players like Lionel Messi. So yes, we respect Argentina, but we fear no one because you suffer if you spend too much time thinking about the opposition," he said.

The former striker explained that since taking charge of the national team, his emphasis has been on ensuring the players remain focused on their own strengths rather than the stature of their opponents.

"Since taking charge of Egypt, I've tried to get the players to focus on themselves, on their style of play, and how they impose it on the pitch. We've worked on doing things our way without worrying about a country's reputation or the names on the back of their shirts," Hassan added.

Recalling Egypt's recent friendly against Brazil, Hassan said the team's mindset would remain unchanged against Argentina. "We respected them enormously, but we didn't overthink it. That's why we'll carry on with our way of doing things," he said.

Hassan also stressed that Egypt are carrying the hopes of not only their own supporters but also football fans across Africa and the Arab world as they seek a historic place in the quarterfinals.

"We have a prime objective in this match, one shared not only by the Egyptian supporters but by all Arab and African people because we're representing them all here. We have to show the development of Egyptian football out there on the pitch, both tactically and in terms of character, as well as our determination to reach the next round," he said.

Describing the World Cup as the pinnacle of any footballer's career, Hassan urged his players to embrace the occasion. "We're at the World Cup, and chances like this don't come around often for players or for coaches. We have to seize this opportunity to shine and show everyone what we're made of," he said.

Although Egypt are seven-time Africa Cup of Nations champion, they have never progressed this far in a FIFA World Cup. Hassan believes the current squad has an opportunity to change that narrative.

"African and Arab football has enormous potential, but we've been slow to show it, so now we're trying to make up for that. We want to live up to our supporters' expectations," he added.

Source: IANS

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Seattle, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) United States manager Mauricio Pochettino said he was proud of his team's World Cup campaign despite Tuesday's 4-1 defeat to Belgium, insisting the tournament had laid the foundations for future success.

The Argentine said his side had failed to reproduce the form it showed earlier in the tournament, but insisted its overall campaign remained a source of pride.

"It hurts to be eliminated. We didn't perform well today, and that's the reality. Sometimes, during a tournament, you have one day when things don't go your way. Unfortunately, that day was today. It's not the right moment for it to happen, but we didn't reach the level we had shown before," Pochettino said in a post-match news conference after the round of 16 match, as quoted by Xinhua.

"At the same time, we should recognise what this team has achieved. We are very proud of our campaign together. We enjoyed the journey, and today's result hurts because we believed we could go further," he added.

Pochettino, who took charge of the United States in September 2024, said the World Cup had been a learning experience for his team.

"Improvement is never like a rocket going straight up," he said. "A year ago, if somebody had told us we would be playing Belgium in the World Cup round of 16, everyone would have said we still had a lot of work to do."

"Progress is not linear, and it's not realistic to expect everything to happen quickly. We have shown that we can improve and compete. We have a generation of young players coming through, and they just need to stay on this path and keep improving."

He praised his squad for maintaining a professional mindset throughout the competition and refused to appraise the performances of individual players.

"I'm happy with every player who was involved because of the way they behaved, their attitude, and their commitment," he said. "We didn't have a single issue over 40 or 50 days because everybody understood the ideas and showed respect."

"This is not the moment to judge individuals. We are happy with the whole group," he concluded.

Source: IANS

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Dallas, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) For 23 years, one man has carried the hopes of an entire nation through six European Championships, six World Cups, and a captaincy that has spanned almost two decades. As Cristiano Ronaldo's glittering World Cup career ends after Portugal's defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, Portugal and football pause to salute a career built on relentless, record-breaking longevity.

Ronaldo first represented Portugal as an 18-year-old against Kazakhstan on August 20, 2003, before announcing himself on the big stage with his maiden international goal against Greece at UEFA Euro 2004. Recognised early as a leader, he was appointed Portugal captain ahead of Euro 2008, a responsibility he has carried with distinction for nearly 18 years.

Over the course of his international career, Ronaldo rewrote football's record books. He became Portugal's all-time leading scorer in 2014 after surpassing Pauleta's tally of 47 goals and, in 2021, overtook Iran's Ali Daei to become the highest goalscorer in men's international football history. Even after reaching the landmark of 200 international appearances in June 2023, his appetite for success remained undiminished.

Earlier in this tournament, he scored against Uzbekistan to become the first player to find the net in six different editions of the FIFA World Cup. He ends his World Cup career with 11 goals, the most by any Portuguese player at the tournament, surpassing the legendary Eusébio's tally of nine.

Ronaldo's international career also stands apart for its extraordinary longevity. He featured in six FIFA World Cups - in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 - as well as six UEFA European Championships, becoming the only player to achieve the feat. He also represented Portugal in two UEFA Nations League-winning campaigns and the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, scoring in every major international tournament except Euro 2024.

He signs off with world-record figures of 233 international appearances and 146 goals for Portugal, along with 10 international hat-tricks. Ronaldo also holds the record for the most victories by any player in men's international football, having played a central role in Portugal's rise as a global force.

The UEFA European Championship remains one of the defining chapters of his international legacy. Ronaldo is the all-time leading scorer in Euro finals with 14 goals and captained Portugal to their first-ever major international trophy at Euro 2016. He was named in the Team of the Tournament on three occasions and won the Golden Boot at Euro 2020, while his 41 goals in European Championship qualifying remain a competition record.

He also played a pivotal role in Portugal's UEFA Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025 as captain. Ronaldo finished as the leading scorer in both victorious campaigns, including an eight-goal haul in nine matches during the 2025 edition, and scored the first-ever goal in a Nations League Finals match against Switzerland in 2019.

Across every stage of international football, Ronaldo consistently delivered for Portugal. He scored 41 goals in each FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship qualifying, underscoring his influence in taking his country to major tournaments. On the biggest stages, he added 14 goals in European Championship finals, 11 at the FIFA World Cup, 15 in the Nations League, two in the Confederations Cup, and 22 in international friendlies.

The FIFA World Cup remains the only major trophy missing from Ronaldo's extraordinary collection. Despite lifting the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025 as Portugal captain, football's biggest prize ultimately eluded him.

The Live Streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Hindi, English, Malayalam, and Bangla will be available exclusively on the Zee5 app and website.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Defending champions Delhi Public School, RK Puram, and Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Faridabad, began their title defences with commanding victories as the fourth edition of the Oriental Cup got underway at Dr. Ambedkar Stadium on Tuesday.

DPS RK Puram defeated Vasant Valley School 5-0 in the Boys’ category, while Government Girls Senior Secondary School registered a 5-0 victory over Navy Children School in the Girls’ category.

Indian footballer Rohit Kumar graced the opening ceremony as the Chief Guest and interacted with the young footballers participating in the tournament. Also present at the opening ceremony were Fareed Bakshi, Founder, Oriental Cup 2026, and Arvinder Singh, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Oriental Cup 2026.

The opening day featured seven matches across the Boys’ and Girls’ categories, along with an exhibition match between NGOs STRIVE and Mera India Mera Adhikaar (MIMA).

Speaking on the occasion, Rohit Kumar said, “It is wonderful to see a tournament like the Oriental Cup giving young footballers a platform to showcase their talent and passion for the game. Watching these students reminded me of my own school days, when tournaments like these motivated us to dream bigger and work harder. Talent alone is not enough—dedication, love for the sport, and opportunities like the Oriental Cup are what help shape the next generation of footballers. I congratulate the Oriental Group for this fantastic initiative and wish the tournament continued success.”

In the opening match of the competition, defending Boys’ champions DPS RK Puram began their campaign with a convincing 5-0 victory over Vasant Valley School. After a goalless first half, Abhav Bhardwaj broke the deadlock in the 18th minute, then scored twice more within eight minutes to complete his hat-trick. Aditya Lal and Ridit Dang added a goal each to complete the victory.

Vasant Valley School responded strongly in the first Girls’ match of the tournament, defeating DPS RK Puram 3-0. Naavya Gogoi opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Unjila Khan doubled the advantage in the 13th minute. Tanvie Gogoi added the third in the final minute to seal the win.

Defending Girls’ champions Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Faridabad, also made an impressive start to their title defence with a 5-0 victory over Navy Children School. Somya opened the scoring in the eighth minute and went on to score three more goals to finish with four goals in the match, while Ishu added the fifth in the 24th minute.

Navy Children School secured a 3-1 victory over Venkateshwar International School in an entertaining Boys’ encounter. Vansh Raj Rana opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Dhruv Kumar Jha doubled the lead early in the second half. Daiwik Rana pulled one back for Venkateshwar International School in the 19th minute, but Vansh Raj Rana struck again in the 24th minute to seal the victory.

Sanskriti School edged Modern School 1-0 in the Boys’ category, with Mannan Machhan’s second-minute strike proving to be the difference between the two sides.

In the corresponding Girls’ fixture, Modern School registered a convincing 4-0 victory over former champions Sanskriti School. Aihra Sachdev gave Modern School the lead in the 12th minute before Dhwani Bidada scored a second-half hat-trick, finding the net in the 16th, 22nd, and 30th minutes to complete the win.

Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj, rounded off the school fixtures with a 3-0 victory over Dev Samaj Modern School in the Boys’ category. Kanav Sharma scored twice in the first half, in the eighth and 13th minutes, before completing his hat-trick in the 23rd minute.

Earlier in the day, in the exhibition match between participating NGOs STRIVE and Mera India Mera Adhikaar (MIMA), STRIVE prevailed 3-1 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time. Aditya opened the scoring for STRIVE in the first half before Rishant equalised for MIMA with four minutes remaining. STRIVE converted three penalties to MIMA’s one to secure the victory.

The Oriental Cup 2026, being held from July 7 to July 16, is expected to feature over 1,500 student-athletes representing more than 48 teams from across Delhi-NCR. The fourth edition features a more than doubled prize pool and a ₹2.5 lakh scholarship programme for 10 deserving student-athletes, further strengthening the tournament’s commitment to supporting young footballers on and off the field.

The fourth edition is supported by Oriental Structural Engineers Pvt. Ltd. as the title sponsor, with Nivia Sports as the Football Partner, Ocean Beverages as the Hydration Partner, and Central Park Resorts as an Associate Partner.

Match Day 1 Results:

Boys’ Category:

Delhi Public School, RK Puram 5-0 Vasant Valley School

Navy Children School 3-1 Venkateshwar International School

Sanskriti School 1-0 Modern School

Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj 3-0 Dev Samaj Modern School

Girls’ Category:

Vasant Valley School 3-0 Delhi Public School, RK Puram

Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Faridabad 5-0 Navy Children School

Modern School 4-0 Sanskriti School

Exhibition Match (NGO):

STRIVE 1 (3)-1 (1) Mera India Mera Adhikaar (MIMA)

Source: IANS

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Vancouver, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Switzerland and Colombia will look to maintain their unbeaten records and secure a place in the quarterfinals when they clash in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match at BC Place in Vancouver on Wednesday (IST).

Belief is growing in the Switzerland camp after they followed up their Group B-topping campaign with an impressive 2-0 win over Algeria in the Round of 32. Switzerland, who have played in the quarterfinals in 1934, 1938, and 1954, have often struggled for consistency in the modern knockout era, but the Swiss clockwork is beginning to tick in North America.

Like Switzerland, Colombia are unbeaten in four matches at the 2026 World Cup. After wins over Uzbekistan and Congo DR, La Sele topped Group K with a goalless draw against Portugal – the only game they have failed to win or score in – before underlining their dark-horse credentials with a composed 1-0 victory against Ghana in the Round of 32. With just one goal conceded, Nestor Lorenzo's men have been one of the tournament's toughest nuts to crack.

How to watch Colombia vs Switzerland live in India:

Live streaming and live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 football matches will be available on the ZEE5 platform and app in India. A subscription will be needed.

Live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels in India.

Key details:

Date and kick-off time: Wednesday, July 8, 1:30 AM (IST)

Venue: BC Place, Vancouver

Referee: Ivan Barton

Squads:

Colombia -

Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas, David Ospina, Álvaro Montero

Defenders: Johan Mojica, Devier Machado, Daniel Muñoz, Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Willer Ditta

Midfielders: James Rodríguez, Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos, Juan Fernando Quintero, Jorge Carrascal, Kevin Castaño, Jaminton Campaz

Forwards: Luis Díaz, Carlos Andrés Gómez, Jhon Córdoba, Juan Camilo Hernández, Jhon Arias

Switzerland -

Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel, Yvon Mvogo, Jonas Omlin.

Defenders: Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Ricardo Rodríguez, Silvan Widmer, Cédric Zesiger, Eray Cömert, Ulisses Garcia, Lucas Blondel, Becir Omeragic.

Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Denis Zakaria, Remo Freuler, Ardon Jashari, Vincent Sierro, Michel Aebischer, Fabian Rieder, Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas, Renato Steffen, Filip Ugrinic.

Forwards: Breel Embolo, Zeki Amdouni, Noah Okafor, Joel Monteiro, Kwadwo Duah, Albian Hajdari.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Former West Bengal minister Aroop Biswas on Tuesday appeared before the police for questioning in connection with the alleged mismanagement during Argentine footballer Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour event held in Kolkata last year.

Acting on a notice served by the police on Saturday, Biswas reached the officers of Bidhannagar South Police Station at around 10 a.m., accompanied by his lawyer.

The police questioned the Trinamool Congress leader as part of the ongoing investigation into the case. This was his second appearance before investigators after June 18. Earlier, he had skipped multiple summons issued by the Bidhannagar Police before eventually appearing following interim legal protection granted by the Calcutta High Court.

The case stems from an FIR lodged by the event's principal organiser, Satadru Dutta, who accused Biswas of playing a key role in the alleged mismanagement and chaos that unfolded at Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Salt Lake during Messi's appearance on December 13 last year.

Following the FIR, police repeatedly summoned Biswas for questioning. He subsequently approached the Calcutta High Court seeking protection from any coercive action. A single bench initially granted him interim protection until July 2, enabling him to appear before investigators on June 18 without the risk of arrest.

Dutta later challenged the protection order before a division bench of the Calcutta High Court. However, the division bench declined to interfere with the earlier order and upheld the relief granted to Biswas. The protection was subsequently extended until August 17, allowing the former minister to continue cooperating with the investigation while remaining protected from coercive action.

Dutta, who was arrested following the alleged chaos at the Yuva Bharati Sports Complex after Messi's visit, has repeatedly accused Biswas of being responsible for the security lapses and organisational failures that marred the event. After the change of government in the state, he filed a fresh complaint with the Bidhannagar Police reiterating those allegations.

According to Dutta, around 70,000 tickets were printed for the event. He alleged that Biswas took nearly 22,000 tickets by virtue of his official position and later distributed them among associates or sold them.

Dutta has also held the former minister responsible for the crowd mismanagement and the chaos witnessed during the high-profile football event.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Team India defender Sandesh Jhingan believes Argentina's defensive foundations remain intact despite conceding twice in their Round of 32 clash against Cabo Verde, backing the reigning world champions to produce a much-improved display against Egypt in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

Argentina survived a scare to progress after a hard-fought win over Cabo Verde, prompting questions over their defence. However, Jhingan, who is part of Zee5 FIFA World Cup 2026 expert panel, insisted one below-par outing should not overshadow the consistency Lionel Scaloni's side has shown over the last few years.

"Of course, when you concede two goals, people immediately question the defence. But one average performance shouldn't make you feel you're suddenly not good enough, just like one great performance shouldn't make you think you're invincible. If you look at Argentina's record over the last 10-15 games, they have hardly conceded. For me, one of their biggest strengths is their defensive solidity, and they'll look at the Cabo Verde game as just a small bump in the road. The important thing was getting the win, and I expect them to be much sharper against Egypt," Jhingan told Zee5.

The India international expects Egypt to adopt a counter-attacking approach centred around Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush but feels Argentina's renowned counter-pressing will be key to nullifying that threat.

"Egypt will probably sit back and look to hit Argentina on the counter because that's where their strengths lie. But one thing I admire about Argentina is how quickly they counter-press after losing possession. They hunt in packs and don't allow opponents many transition opportunities. If Egypt wants to minimise Messi's influence, the key isn't trying to stop him one-on-one; it's cutting off the supply from players like Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister. That's the only realistic way to reduce his impact," he added.

Looking ahead to the other Round of 16 fixture, Jhingan believes Switzerland should stick to their possession-based approach against Colombia's aggressive press.

"I think they would fancy keeping the build-up plan because one of the reasons why teams do build-up is to invite pressure. When you do a high press, you leave a lot of space behind. Switzerland will want Colombia to come out from their own half because that creates the spaces they can exploit with just one, two or three passes. The main purpose of build-up is to invite pressure so that you have space behind to hurt them," he explained.

Jhingan described Colombia as one of the tournament's standout teams, praising their midfield control through James Rodríguez and the pace of Luis Díaz, while also highlighting Switzerland's tactical discipline and compact defensive structure.

"Colombia have been one of the most exciting teams in the tournament. They create superiority in midfield through James Rodríguez, control possession well and then use the pace of Luis Díaz to attack the spaces behind. They're a very complete side. But Switzerland are equally impressive in a different way. They're compact, tactically disciplined and defend with a very organised mid-block. I think Manzambi has been the X-factor and has given them that extra attacking edge. I actually have a feeling Switzerland might edge this one, but I think both teams are so evenly matched that whoever makes fewer mistakes in midfield and makes better decisions will probably progress to the quarter-finals," he said.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) After eliminating co-host USA from the FIFA World Cup, the victorious Belgian team clapped back at the Folarin Balogun red-card drama with a savage two-word social media post.

Ahead of the round-of-16 tie against the USA, football's global governing body suspended the one-match ban imposed on US striker Folarin Balogun, which he got after receiving a red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the round of 32 victory.

The ruling drew strong criticism from the Belgian Football Association, which issued statements expressing "astonishment" at the decision. European football governing body UEFA also condemned the ruling, saying it had "crossed a red line" and could have negative consequences for the game as a whole. It also emerged that US president Donald Trump had lobbied for Balogun’s red card to be overturned.

Following the win, the Belgian team's official social media account shared a savage message by posting "Overturn this" with pictures of wild celebrations.

Belgium’s captain, Youri Tielemans, said the Balogun controversy had helped motivate his team. "Let’s be honest: we held a meeting when we heard the news. We told ourselves we needed to do our talking on the pitch. That’s what we did today. I’m very proud of the team," Tielemans said after the match.

Belgium took sweet revenge for the off-field drama on the field when Charles De Ketelaere's first-half double made the USA the third and final co-host to be knocked out of the World Cup after Canada and Mexico had already bowed out in the Round of 16.

Belgium will lock horns with Spain, who eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, at Los Angeles Stadium on July 11.

Source: IANS

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Lisbon, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Following Portugal's narrow exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a last-16 defeat against Spain, Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has rallied behind the national team, expressing pride in their campaign and rallying support for the future.

In front of a sellout crowd of 70,649 at Dallas Stadium, reigning European champions Spain was held to a goalless first half, with both teams creating clear chances but failing to find the breakthrough.

It was near the end of extra time that, in an attacking move, Mikel Merino broke free and scored past Diogo Costa as Spain edged Portugal 1-0 in a tense Iberian derby to reach the quarterfinals, ending Cristiano Ronaldo's bid to lift football's biggest trophy.

The Prime Minister took to social media to back the squad, which fought valiantly before being knocked out by a late winner Merino.

"These athletes bring prestige and pride to Portugal," Montenegro posted on X. "We fought until the end, and now we will face the future with ambition and confidence."

"We are going to make the quinas (the five shields on the Portuguese flag) shine even brighter," he added.

Following the loss head coach Roberto Martinez has stepped down from his position and veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 edition was his final World Cup appearance.

Ronaldo said, "It's sad to leave the World Cup this way. I gave my best and I leave with a clear conscience. That’s the life of a football player. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose and we need to keep going. The truth is that it was my last World Cup.

Martinez paid tribute to captain Ronaldo, describing him as "an exemplary captain" whose commitment had never wavered during their three-and-a-half years together.

"There aren't many Cristiano Ronaldos," Martinez said. "His dream was to win the World Cup, and he gave everything for that dream. He has been an example as a footballer, as a captain and as a human being."

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Kylian Mbappe and the French Football Association have called Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla "despicable" and "unworthy of a position" for the "abhorrent and odious" racist remarks she made mocking the French forward's origin following the World Cup last-16 clash between the countries.

Celeste, who is from Paraguay's Liberal Radical Party, posted her comments on X after her country's defeat by France in the last 16 of the World Cup.

Responding to the same, Mbappe said, "You are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition."

"Through your recklessness and your brazen racism, the entire world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that your players accomplished during this World Cup, making way for an incompetent woman who gives the worst possible image of her country.

"I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world," he added.

The French Football Federation also condemned the racist remarks by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla targeting Mbappé as "utterly abhorrent and unacceptable."

"How can anyone make such statements? These remarks are criminal and reprehensible. They must be prosecuted here as elsewhere. The FFF is filing a report with the prosecutor's office for the purpose of judicial action... The players of the France National Team represent France; it is our country that is being insulted," it said.

However, the Government of Paraguay has rejected the controversial remarks made by Senator Celeste against Mbappe, describing them as contrary to the principles of peaceful coexistence and human dignity.

In an official statement, the Paraguayan government distanced itself from the legislator's comments, stating that her statements do not reflect the stance of the state or its citizens.

"The Government of the Republic of Paraguay deplores and rejects the expressions made by Senator Celeste Amarilla, directed at the captain of the French national football team, Kylian Mbappé, which are contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity promoted by our country," it said in a statement.

It continued, "The statements made by the aforementioned legislator correspond exclusively to the exercise of her individual responsibility as a member of the legislative branch and in no way represent the position of the Government of the Republic of Paraguay or the Paraguayan people.

"The Government of Paraguay reaffirms its firm commitment to the promotion of human rights, equality, and mutual respect among people, as well as the fight against racism, xenophobia, intolerance, and any manifestation of hatred or discrimination.

"Likewise, it expresses its solidarity with those who may have felt affected by these statements and reiterates its respect for the French people, with whom Paraguay maintains a historic relationship of friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding."

Mbappe scored his seventh goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026, slotting home from the penalty spot as two-time winner France overcame Paraguay 1-0 to set up a quarter-final meeting with Morocco.

Source: IANS

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Seattle, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Charles De Ketelaere's first-half brace, Hans Vanaken's first World Cup goal and a late strike from substitute Romelu Lukaku send Belgiium through to the quarter-finals with a 4-1 victory over co-hosts USA at Seattle Stadium.

USA became the final co-hosts to exit the tournament after Canada and Mexico had already bowed out in the Round of 16.

Belgium has not lost a match since March 20, 2025, a 3-1 defeat against Ukraine in the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation play-offs and head coach Rudi Garcia’s first match in charge. Since then, Belgium has accrued an eye-popping 12 wins and six draws record across all competitions (FIFA World Cup, UEFA World Cup qualification, UEFA Nations League play-offs, friendlies), buoyed by a +40 goal differential in those 17 matches.

The USMNT has faced the Red Devils on seven prior instances. The first meeting—the United States’ lone victory—came in the form of a 3-0 victory at the inaugural 1930 World Cup in Montevideo, Uruguay. The loss on Tuesday maked USA's have lost seven consecutive matches against Belgium.

The warning signs were there for Mauricio Pochettino's side when Timothy Castagne's 18-yard strike forced Matt Freese into a flying save at the end of Belgium's first meaningful attack.

Youri Tielemans then went within inches of turning home Dodi Lukebakio's cross before Rudi Garcia's men took a deserved lead. Leandro Trossard's teasing delivery into the box caused all manner of problems for the USA defence, with Nicolas Raskin firing across for De Ketelaere to tap home.

Belgium appeared to be cruising, but their lead was cancelled out after 31 minutes when Malik Tillman's deflected free-kick wrong-footed Thibaut Courtois. However, the scores were level for just 116 seconds as Trossard's cross from the left found De Ketelaere, who headed home his second goal of the contest.

USA's task was made even harder just before the hour mark when a defensive mishap gifted Belgium a third goal. Freese raced out of his area to clear but missed the ball, allowing De Ketelaere to steal possession before Vanaken's long-range effort evaded Tim Ream's attempted block and found the empty net.

The Stars and Stripes showed signs of life in the closing stages as substitute Sebastian Berhalter shot wide and Courtois twice denied Folarin Balogun, before Lukaku pounced on a loose clearance and finished with aplomb to put the result beyond any doubt in stoppage time.

Belgium will lock horns with Spain, who eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, at Los Angeles Stadium on July 11.

Source: IANS

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Seattle, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump had called him regarding the disciplinary case involving the U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, but stressed that the decision to suspend the enforcement of the player's one-match ban was made independently by FIFA's judicial bodies.

Balogun was sent off for stamping on defender Tarik Muharemovic during the U.S. 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup round of 32 on July 1.

Last Sunday, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee imposed a one-match suspension on Balogun but suspended the enforcement of the sanction for a one-year probationary period - under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, allowing the U.S. leading scorer to remain eligible for Monday's round-of-16 clash against Belgium.

The ruling drew strong criticism from the Belgian Football Association, which issued statements expressing "astonishment" at the decision. European football governing body UEFA also condemned the ruling, saying it had "crossed a red line" and could have negative consequences for the game as a whole.

Responding to the criticism, Infantino reiterated the independence of FIFA's judicial bodies.

"I have seen the public comments regarding the decision of the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee related to the suspension of Folarin Balogun, and I would like to reiterate a fundamental principle of FIFA's governance.

"FIFA's judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected."

Infantino also confirmed that Trump had contacted him about the case. "Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues," he said.

"During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA's independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies. That is how FIFA's system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold."

Infantino said he respected the autonomy of FIFA's judicial bodies regardless of his personal views on their decisions.

"I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree," he said.

"What I always do, however, is respect those decisions and the autonomy of the bodies that make them. Whether we personally like a decision or not is irrelevant. Respect for independent institutions and the rule of law is what protects the integrity of our competitions and the credibility of FIFA at all times."

Trump had previously acknowledged in an interview that he had called Infantino and urged FIFA to review Balogun's red card decision.

According to sports statistics provider Opta, no player has ever appeared in his team's next FIFA World Cup match after receiving a red card since the introduction of the yellow and red card system in 1970.

Should Balogun take the field against Belgium on Monday in Seattle, he would become the first player in World Cup history to do so.

Source: IANS

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Arlington, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Mikel Merino's stoppage-time strike earned Spain a 1-0 victory over Portugal at Dallas Stadium and a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final place. Luis De La Fuente’s team will now head to Los Angeles Stadium to play the winners of USA-Belgium.

The final whistle of the match marked the end of Christiano Ronaldo’s time on football’s biggest stage. “This will be my last World Cup,” he reiterated pre-match. The 41-year-old hit 11 goals in 27 games and set multiple milestones, including becoming the first man to score in six editions.

A balanced start, with Spain showing more attacking intent and Oyarzabal shooting forcing a tight save from Diogo Costa after just three minutes. Portugal responded promptly, with Cancelo's run down the right culminating in a powerful shot that went over the bar.

A few minutes later, Olmo set up Oyarzabal, who, as Diogo Costa came out, shot wide. In a back-and-forth game, Cristiano Ronaldo unleashed a powerful shot that Unai Simón saved incompletely.

Fifteen frantic minutes, with Spain taking advantage of a quick attack, with two great saves from Diogo Costa, from shots by Lamal and Baena. Portugal managed to balance the game, hold off Spain, with the best opportunity arising from an assist by Joao Felix for an acrobatic shot by Ronaldo. Unai Simon saved it. This was Portugal's best moment in the match, culminating in a shot from Nuno Mendes that hit the crossbar, after a deflection by Pedro Porro.

The game remained balanced in the second half, but Portugal looked more dangerous, especially with Pedro Neto's incursions down the right flank. Even without Nuno Mendes, who was replaced by Nélson Semedo due to injury, the national team managed, with varying degrees of difficulty, to thwart Spanish attacks.

In a very tight game, tactical schemes took on greater importance, with Lamine Yamal forcing Diogo Costa to make a save for a corner from a free kick.

The introduction of Rafael Leao in the final 15 minutes livened up the Portuguese game, and it was a move by the Portuguese forward that gave Bruno Fernandes one of the best chances to score, with the ball ending up in the side netting.

It was near the end of extra time that, in an attacking move, Mikel Merino broke free and scored past Diogo Costa. Then, in the final third of extra time, Bernardo Silva had a chance to equalize with his head, but his shot went just wide of the post.

Source: IANS

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