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  • 2026 World Cup: Argentina Escape Biggest Shock Against Cabo Verde

    By Izuchukwu Okosi

    World Cup debutants Cabo Verde proved one of Argentina’s footballing nightmares in history late Friday night at the Miami Stadium albeit the South Americans ultimately earned a round of 16 clash against another African opposition in Egypt.

    The game finished 1-1 in 90 minutes and extra time was required.

    Lionel Messi had put the Albeceleste ahead in the 29th minute with a lovely finish as he controlled the ball brilliantly before chipping it over Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha.

    Lisandro Martinez finished superbly in the 92nd minute for Argentina but the tiny African islands got level through Sidney Lopes Cabral with one of the best ever goals in World Cup history 11 minutes later.

    Cabral found space and cut inside to the left side of the box before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the top right corner that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could not stop.

    Deroy Duarte had restored parity in the second half after Messi’s goal as his intelligent run beat Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez before firing under the legs of Emiliano Martinez in goal.

    Martinez put Argentina back in front as he latched onto a through pass from Alexis MC Allister.Then came the Cabral goal in the 111th minute of extra time.

    Unfortunately Diney Borges conceded an own goal to make it 2-2.Cabral then forced a save from the Aston Villa keeper shortly afterwards as Argentina held on until the final whistle.

  • 2026 FIFA World Cup: Ronaldo, Ramos’ Goals Books Portugal Clash Against Spain

    2026 FIFA World Cup: Ronaldo, Ramos’ Goals Books Portugal Clash Against Spain

    By Izuchukwu Okosi

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career with Portugal was seemingly extended following Portugal’s dramatic 2-1 win over Croatia in the round of 32 in the early morning of Friday local time.

    The Portugal and Al Nassr superstar is one of elite players in their 40s or late 30s expected to call time on their illustrious careers after the tournament.

    The expectation was heightened when Ronaldo’s sister put out a post on the social media calling the 2026 World Cup “the last dance’” for the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus hitman.

    Ronaldo saw his supposed first goal ruled out for offside.Ivan Perisic then put Croatia ahead in the 53rd minute.

    The iconic number 7 got his chance to score again and he did not disappoint in the 68th minute when he converted from the penalty spot after Renato Viega was pulled down inside the penalty box.

    The spot kick means Ronaldo becomes the oldest goal scorer in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup.

    Second half substitute Goncalvo Ramos headed home the second goal for Portugal before a controversial Josko Gvardiol goal was cancelled for an offside after a VAR check.

    Croatian fans threw plastic bottles inshde the pitch as tension boiled over in the stands.

    Portugal will face European champions in the round of 16 in what promises to be arguably the biggest fixtures of the tournament.

  • 2026 FIFA World Cup: Balogun Grabs Brace as Four-star USA Thrash Paraguay

    USA international of Nigerian descent Folarin Balogun scored twice as Mauricio Pochettino’s men delivered one of USA’s most impressive performances at a FIFA World Cup as they thrashed Paraguay 4-1.

    Katy Perry’s opening song set the tone for what turned out to be an American party as Hollywood’s biggest stars watched the Stars and Stripes overcome a spirited Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium.

    The visitors took advantage of a frenetic start with a cheeky shot from Antonio Sanabria forcing an early save from Matt Freese.

    From then on it was all USA.

    Mauricio Pochettino’s men took the lead after Weston McKennie found Christian Pulisic on the left wing, and the AC Milan forward bamboozled two defenders before McKennie squared the ball into Damian Bobadilla, who inadvertently put the ball in his own net.

    Paraguay were unable to recover and the American onslaught continued with Sergino Dest coming close before Folarin Balogun put the ball in the back of the net only for it to be called back for offside.

    Balogun got his goal moments later, slotting home a pass from Christian Pulisic, who had successfully gotten in behind his defender on the left wing.

    The Monaco striker then scored his second and USA’s third deep into first-half stoppage time.

    The Stars and Stripes forward ran on to a threaded through ball from Malik Tillman, cut back against the grain and smashed the ball into the top left corner of Omar Gill’s net, sending the American fans into raptures.

    After the break, Paraguay replaced Bobadilla with attacking midfielder Mauricio and made a push to get back into the match.

    The substitute added impetus into Paraguay and latched on to a subtle pass from Julio Enciso to fire home and give the South Americans a lifeline.

    Paraguay’s goal reawakened the USA.

    Malik Tillman could have added a fourth for the Stars and Stripes moments later, but the American midfielder showed hesitancy in front of goal allowing Gill to save comfortably.

    Gio Reyna put the cherry on top of the performance, scoring an impressive long distance goal in the dying seconds.

    The co-hosts ran out comfortable winners and will head into their next match against Australia full of confidence.

    Source: FIFA website

    USA soccer player number 20 celebrating a goal with teammates near corner flag in front of cheering crowd
    USA players celebrate scoring a goal against Paraguay at a packed stadium