Portugal secured a spot in the World Cup last 16 following a 2-1 victory over Croatia, a match marked by late VAR drama and significant individual moments. The game saw Cristiano Ronaldo score his first-ever World Cup knockout goal, while Luka Modric likely played his final match in the tournament.

The encounter in Toronto Stadium was a closely contested affair, with momentum shifting between the two sides. Croatia initially took the lead in the second half through Ivan Perisic, who found the net after a strong start to the period. This goal came from an area of the pitch where Portugal had previously created numerous opportunities.

Before Croatia‘s opener, Portugal had dominated much of the first half, creating several chances. Rafael Leao was particularly active on the left flank, delivering crosses into the box. Early in the game, Bruno Fernandes had two shots on target, with one saved by Dominik Livakovic and another blocked by the defence. Pedro Neto also posed a persistent threat for Portugal during the opening period.

Despite Portugal‘s early pressure, Croatia‘s defence remained resolute, absorbing waves of attacks and maintaining a strong presence in midfield. Their strategy involved isolating Martin Baturina against Joao Cancelo and delivering balls into the box for Ante Budimir, though this approach was not consistently successful.

Second-half drama unfolds

The second half saw a change in dynamic, with Croatia starting on the front foot. Their lead came eight minutes into the half, with Perisic converting a cross from Josep Stanisic. Following this, Croatia continued to press, with Petar Sucic and Igor Matanovic creating further chances, although some were ruled out for offside.

Portugal responded to Croatia‘s lead with increased urgency. A penalty was awarded to Portugal after a VAR review, following an incident where Renato Veiga was pulled down in the area by Nikola Vlasic. Cristiano Ronaldo calmly converted the spot-kick, levelling the score and marking a significant personal milestone.

The match remained finely balanced, with both teams pushing for a winner. Mateo Kovacic had two long-range efforts saved, and Matanovic also had a shot saved. Ronaldo was later substituted off for Ruben Neves, a decision that appeared to be a tactical adjustment by manager Roberto Martinez.

Late winner and VAR controversy

The substitution proved effective, as Portugal began to control possession and close down counterattack opportunities. In added time, Goncalo Ramos scored the winning goal, glancing home a cross from Rafael Leao. This goal put Portugal ahead, leading to extended celebrations that resulted in additional minutes being added to stoppage time.

The drama continued into the final moments of the game when Josko Gvardiol scored what appeared to be a late equaliser for Croatia. However, the goal was disallowed after a VAR check, which determined an offside in the build-up. The decision, which involved an on-field review by official Espen Eskaas following a recommendation from Jarred Gillet, was controversial, with reports indicating that Igor Matanovic was deemed offside after touching Ivan Perisic‘s cross, making Mario Pasalic, the assister, offside despite the ball deflecting off Portugal‘s Renato Veiga.

The disallowed goal ensured Portugal‘s progression to the next round, where they are set to face Spain. This upcoming fixture will be a replay of the 2025 Nations League final, which Portugal won.

For Luka Modric, the match likely marked his final appearance in a World Cup. The 40-year-old captain of Croatia had to leave the tournament, while Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41, continues his World Cup journey.

Goncalo Ramos, who scored the decisive goal, expressed his enjoyment of high-stakes matches, stating, “It’s difficult because it’s a game if you don’t win, you go home. But for me, especially, I love those types of moments, I love those types of games, I want to play every game like that, I want to be in the big moment.”

The performance of Portugal‘s midfield, including players like Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Bruno Fernandes, has been a subject of discussion, with some suggesting they have struggled to dictate play under pressure, except for their win against Uzbekistan. Manager Roberto Martinez faces selection challenges, particularly regarding whether Ramos should start in place of Ronaldo in the upcoming match against Spain.

The match concluded with Portugal securing their place in the last 16, setting up a clash with Spain.

Source: skysports.com

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Nottingham Forest has confirmed the departure of head coach Vitor Pereira, with reports indicating that Oliver Glasner is in discussions to take over the role. Pereira’s exit was described by him as a “complete surprise and without any warning.” The Portuguese coach had been in charge since February, signing an 18-month contract at the City Ground.

Glasner, a free agent after his contract with Crystal Palace officially ended, is considered a leading candidate to succeed Pereira. He previously led Palace to a Conference League victory last season, making him a highly sought-after manager in European football.

Pereira’s unexpected departure

Pereira’s tenure at Forest concluded abruptly, with the decision communicated via email shortly before a contract termination clause was set to expire. This timing, just two minutes before midnight, would have made his removal more costly for the club. He had reportedly been planning for Forest’s pre-season preparations and was caught off guard by the club’s decision.

In a statement, Pereira expressed his disappointment but also gratitude for his time at the club. He guided Forest to Premier League survival and reached the semi-finals of the Europa League during his matches in charge. His record included eight wins, six draws, and six defeats.

Despite his achievements, Forest decided to move in a different direction. Pereira stated, “Although this decision came as a complete surprise to me and without any warning, I fully respect the club’s right to make the decisions it believes are best for its future.” He added that he leaves with “no bitterness or resentment—only respect, gratitude and wonderful memories.”

Glasner’s potential move to Forest

The potential appointment of Glasner at the City Ground follows a period of tension between Forest and Palace. Both clubs were indirectly vying for a spot in last season’s Europa League, with UEFA ultimately ruling that Forest would enter the competition at Palace’s expense. This decision stemmed from Palace’s co-owner John Textor holding a controlling interest in Lyon.

The ruling led to a graphic banner being displayed by Palace fans during a 1-1 Premier League draw at Selhurst Park on August 24, which resulted in a misconduct charge for Palace from the Football Association. Despite being demoted to the Conference League, Glasner led Palace to European success with a 1-0 final win over Rayo Vallecano in May.

Glasner’s arrival would mark a significant change for Forest, who have seen multiple head coaches in a short period. Since Nuno Espirito Santo‘s departure in August, Ange Postecoglou and Sean Dyche also had stints as head coach before Pereira’s arrival in February.

The Austrian manager is highly regarded and is seen as an upgrade for Forest, with the intention of bringing long-term stability to the club. Glasner’s success with Palace, even after the sale of key players like captain Marc Guéhi, has enhanced his reputation.

Pereira’s final statement concluded with well wishes for the club: “I wish the players, the staff, the supporters and everyone at Nottingham Forest every success in the future. This is a special club, and I sincerely hope it continues to grow and achieve great things.”

Source: skysports.com

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Williams’ return to singles play

Serena Williams is set to make her singles comeback at Wimbledon, marking her first competitive singles match in nearly four years. This return follows her announcement in 2022 that she was “evolving away” from the sport. Her decision to accept a singles wild card for the tournament has generated considerable discussion within the tennis community.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion previously stepped away from the game. Her re-entry into the anti-doping testing pool late last year signalled a potential return, with the grass-court season providing a suitable surface due to its lower physical demands compared to clay. Williams will face Maya Joint, a 20-year-old Australian player, in her opening singles match.

Before her singles return, Williams participated in doubles matches at Queen’s Club and the Berlin Open. At Queen’s, she impressed in her initial doubles match alongside Victoria Mboko, though their participation was cut short due to Mboko’s injury. In Berlin, she and Karolina Muchova experienced a first-round loss.

Monica Puig, an Olympic gold medallist, expressed surprise at Williams’ swift return to singles, noting that Williams had previously indicated she would ease back into the format. Puig highlighted the excitement this return brings for tennis and Wimbledon, emphasising Williams’ champion mindset and competitive nature.

Impact and expectations

Williams’ return to singles at the age of 44 is seen as a significant challenge, especially given the physical demands of the sport. Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli noted the difficulty of returning at this age, particularly after two pregnancies. However, Puig believes Williams would not take a wild card if she didn’t feel fully fit, suggesting a “nothing-to-lose” or “champions mentality” will guide her approach.

Her serve, which reached an impressive 120mph at Queen’s, is expected to be a crucial asset at Wimbledon. Puig, who reached the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2013, stated that Williams will aim to secure many free points with her serve, which can help her navigate difficult situations. The ability to keep points short and her confidence at the net, honed through successful doubles play, are also considered important factors.

Former world No. 1 Lindsay Davenport observed that Williams appears to be in excellent physical condition, possibly even better than when she last competed. Davenport, the 1999 Wimbledon champion, suggested that Williams’ return indicates a belief in her ability to make an immediate impact in women’s tennis, despite the challenges of age and a prolonged absence from the sport.

Mats Wilander, a tennis expert, believes Williams’ comeback is not merely a short-term endeavour. He anticipates her participation in the US Open and speculates that she may even be targeting the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Wilander highlighted Williams’ serve as potentially the best in women’s tennis history, but expressed concern about her movement in longer rallies on grass, a surface known for its unpredictable footing.

Williams herself has stated she is putting no pressure on her return, viewing it as an opportunity to compete possibly one last time. Her long-term absence has left her unranked in singles, yet she is listed with the 17th-best odds to win the title. The prospect of facing a young opponent like Maya Joint, who has never played Williams before, adds another layer of intrigue to her return.

Off the court, Williams has maintained a strong business presence, with ten long-term sponsors and a diverse portfolio of investments through Serena Ventures. She also gave birth to her second child in 2023. Her career prize money totals $94.8 million, and her lifetime earnings are estimated at roughly $620 million, making her the world’s wealthiest woman whose fortune primarily stems from her athletic career.

Williams will continue her comeback at Wimbledon with a doubles match on Thursday or Friday alongside her sister Venus Williams.

Source: skysports.com

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Japan and Sweden Advance to Knockout Stages

Japan and Sweden have both secured their places in the knockout stages of the World Cup 2026 following a 1-1 draw in their final Group F match. The result, played at Dallas Stadium with an attendance of 70,137, saw Japan finish second in the group with five points, while Sweden advanced as the third-placed team with four points. This outcome was mutually beneficial for both sides, ensuring their progression to the round of 32.

The first half of the match was largely uneventful, suggesting that both teams were content with a draw that would guarantee their qualification. However, the game intensified significantly after the interval, delivering a more dynamic second half to the spectators.

Second Half Action and Key Goals

The deadlock was broken ten minutes into the second half when Daizen Maeda put Japan ahead. His goal came after a period of intricate play around the edge of the Sweden penalty area, culminating in him sliding the ball into the net. This collective effort highlighted Japan’s cohesive attacking style, a characteristic noted by head coach Graham Potter prior to the match, who emphasized the team’s collective threat rather than individual match-ups.

Just seven minutes later, Anthony Elanga of Sweden found the equaliser with a spectacular left-footed curled shot. This goal marked his second in two World Cup matches, a significant achievement that eased Sweden’s concerns about elimination. Elanga’s strike, measured at 28.9 meters, stands as the second-longest goal by a Swedish player in the World Cup since 1966, surpassed only by Anders Svensson’s 30.2-meter goal in 2002. His performance also made him the first Swedish player since Martin Dahlin and Kenneth Andersson in 1994 to score in consecutive World Cup games.

Sweden’s ability to score from outside the box has been a notable feature of their campaign, with four such goals in the 2026 World Cup group stage, matching the record set by Brazil in 2006. Following Elanga’s goal, Sweden continued to press, with Alexander Isak nearly turning the game around. His low effort was saved by Japan’s goalkeeper, Zion Suzuki, who later denied Elanga in stoppage time. Isak then hit the crossbar from the subsequent corner, as Graham Potter’s side demonstrated improved play as the match progressed.

Goalkeeping Heroics and Future Fixtures

Zion Suzuki delivered another strong performance for Japan, making several crucial saves throughout the match. His interventions included denying Keito Nakamura from inside the penalty area in the first half and later thwarting Elanga’s angled shot in the closing minutes. Suzuki’s consistent displays have positioned him as a standout goalkeeper in the tournament, contributing significantly to Japan’s defensive solidity.

The Japan defence also effectively contained Sweden’s key attackers, Isak and Gyokeres, through physical defending. This disciplined approach was part of Japan’s overall strategy, which has seen them emerge as a well-organized and cohesive unit in the tournament, despite not having individual world-class stars.

With the draw, both teams now look ahead to their respective round of 32 fixtures. Japan is set to face Brazil in Houston, Texas, on Monday, June 29, with a kick-off scheduled for 6pm. Sweden is most likely to play against the winners of Group I, which could be either France or Norway. This match is anticipated to take place on Tuesday, June 30, in New Jersey, New York, with a 10pm kick-off.

The result also confirmed the progression of all three teams with points from Group F, while it represented a setback for Scotland’s qualification hopes. The scenario of Japan needing a four-goal win to boost Scotland’s chances as a third-placed team was never likely to materialise. Yuto Nagatomo, at 39 years old, made his fifth World Cup appearance for Japan, becoming the first Asian player to feature in five tournaments for his country.

Source: skysports.com

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To understand the stakes, consider the recent performances. Bournemouth has not lost to Crystal Palace in their last five meetings, which gives them a psychological edge. Their last league defeat was back in January against Arsenal, highlighting just how formidable they’ve become under Andoni Iraola.

For this match, Bournemouth made two changes to their starting lineup, while Crystal Palace opted for five changes. This could indicate a strategic shift by Palace’s Oliver Glasner as they look to exploit any weaknesses in Bournemouth’s setup.

Key statistics:

• Bournemouth’s unbeaten run spans 14 matches in the Premier League.
• Crystal Palace has achieved 7 league wins on the road this season.
• Bournemouth’s previous match ended in a 2-2 draw with Leeds United.
• Crystal Palace recently won 3-1 against Shakhtar Donetsk.

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, allowing fans to witness what promises to be an intense encounter. As Bournemouth pushes for European qualification, every point counts. Yet, the unpredictability of football means that even a team like Crystal Palace—who have shown resilience away from home—can turn the tide.

Iraola’s legacy at Bournemouth is still being shaped; how he navigates this crucial phase of the season could define his tenure. With both teams hungry for points and pride, will Bournemouth extend their unbeaten streak or will Crystal Palace succeed in derailing their European ambitions?

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The Derby will feature 20 horses vying for a staggering $5 million purse. Renegade is currently the favorite with odds of 4-1, and the race promises to be a spectacle as it kicks off at 6:57 p.m. ET.

Silent Tactic’s trainer, Mark Casse, noted, “You can’t run in the Kentucky Derby and not be 100%.” He elaborated that the injury is “very slight,” which brings some relief amid disappointment. Casse also mentioned that his horse is otherwise fit and healthy.

Great White’s entry adds an intriguing twist. The horse will now have the chance to make a name for itself on one of horse racing’s biggest stages. Bob Baffert, who has won the Kentucky Derby a record-tying six times, will likely have his eyes set on yet another victory.

Key facts about the Kentucky Derby:

• The race distance is 1¼ miles.
• UK viewers can catch all the action live on Sky Sports Racing.
• Coverage starts at 12 p.m. ET on Peacock.

This year’s race is particularly significant as it marks the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown. With Great White stepping in, observers are eager to see how this change affects the dynamics of the race.

The excitement surrounding this event continues to build as fans and analysts speculate about potential outcomes. While Great White prepares for its debut, one question remains: how will it perform against seasoned competitors like Renegade?

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Key facts:

• Southampton has won 13 of their last 17 games.
• Before the match, Ipswich has 80 points while Southampton has 79.
• The match kicks off at 7:45pm BST and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK.
• In the US, viewers can catch it for free on CBS Sports Golazo Network.

Southampton’s impressive run since mid-January positions them as serious contenders. Yet, they face challenges — Flynn Downes is suspended due to a red card. Meanwhile, Ipswich is missing key players like Leif Davis and Conor Townsend because of injuries.

The stakes are high; a defeat here would heap all the pressure on Ipswich heading into the final day. FourFourTwo expects Saints to deliver another brilliant performance and take the title race to that climactic finish.

Historically speaking, these teams have clashed 73 times, with Southampton winning 24 and Ipswich edging ahead with 27 victories. This adds an extra layer of intensity to what’s already a pivotal matchup.

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