need to know
With Luka Modric’s campaign drawing to a close and Switzerland progressing to the last 16, Portugal have booked a spot to face Spain at the World Cup in dramatic circumstances.
Croatia missed the goal due to their ball technique (Image: FIFA)
Everything you need to know about what happened in Thursday’s World Cup Round of 32 matches, including Spain vs. Austria, Croatia vs. Portugal, Switzerland vs. Algeria…
Spain won 3-0 against Austria, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice and Pedro Polo also scoring. However, it caused some controversy as Joe Hart could not believe that Marc Cucurella’s goal was canceled out for a foul on the goalkeeper. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first World Cup winning goal as Portugal achieved a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia. Gonzalo Ramos scored the important goal after Josko Gvardiol’s goal was canceled out in the 103rd minute. After the VAR decision was made, the match was delayed as angry fans threw bottles onto the pitch. FIFA explained why the goal was canceled in a post-match statement. “Data provided by the connected ball technology housed inside the @adidasfootball Trionda, the official match ball of the @FIFAWorldCup, confirms that Croatia’s number 20 Igor Matanovic made contact during the build-up to the goal against Portugal, and the referee correctly ruled it offside and disallowed the goal.” Former Real Madrid and Manchester United star Ronaldo also spoke about his international future once he is expected to feature. His retirement was announced before the match. Luke Modric is likely to play in his final World Cup match after being eliminated. Ronaldo was seen chatting and hugging after the match, and revealed he had said “goodbye” to his former Real Madrid team-mate. After the victory, Ronaldo and the Portugal national team paid tribute to Diogo Jota on the anniversary of his death. They presented him with a shirt with his number 21 on it. “We won for ourselves, for Diogo and for Portugal!!! Let’s go!!!” Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 thanks to goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye. They will face the winner of Colombia vs. Ghana. Newcastle and Chelsea target Johan Manzambi produced what has been dubbed the ‘best assist of the World Cup’. The winger received rave reviews online, with one fan calling the attacker a “beast” following his contribution. Meanwhile, Justin Bieber is said to be in talks to perform at the World Cup finals. The pop sensation could join Shakira and Madonna at MetLife Stadium. Spanish star Lamine Yamal said he was “obviously honoured” after Cristiano’s win. The two sides are scheduled to face each other for the first time on Monday, July 6, with manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly open to accepting a job with the German national team after leaving the World Cup. After three hours of talks, coach Julian Nagelsmann was expected to be fired, although he had hoped to continue playing. Tensions appear to have escalated between Egyptian and US security after children were prevented from taking photos with the players. As a result, team manager Ibrahim Hassan appears to have been caught up in an intense stalemate. With more last-of-16 ties confirmed, here’s a synopsis of the recorded matches: Saturday, July 4th, 6pm: Canada vs. Morocco, Saturday, July 4th, 10pm: Paraguay vs. France, Sunday, July 5th, 9pm: Brazil vs. Norway, Monday, July 6th, 1am: Mexico vs. England, Monday, July 6th, 8pm: Portugal vs. Spain, Tuesday, July 7th, 1am: USA vs. Belgium, Tuesday, July 7th, 9pm: Switzerland vs Colombia/Ghana.
Read more: World Cup Live – Cristiano Ronaldo pays tribute to Diogo Jota after chaos against Croatia
