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<p>Spain secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Portugal in a cagey last-16 World Cup clash in Dallas, Texas, advancing them to the quarter-finals to face Belgium.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Mikel Merino proved the hero, coming off the bench to score a low, stoppage-time winner from a Ferran Torres pass.</p>



<p>The defeat marked the emotional end of 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career. Despite making history by playing in 27 matches across six tournament editions, the ultimate trophy eluded him. Pundit Chris Sutton heavily criticised his performance, stating, “He is waddling around the field like a grandad, that&#8217;s why Portugal are out.”</p>



<p>Manager Roberto Martinez also faced immense scrutiny for refusing to substitute the ageing striker. Critics argued that overplaying Ronaldo over younger options like Goncalo Ramos cost Portugal a better group finish and a smoother knockout path.</p>



<p>Following the exit, Martinez stepped down as head coach, concluding his tenure with a defensive statement. &#8220;I came to Portugal to win the World Cup and I think that, without winning it, there&#8217;s no point in continuing,&#8221; Martinez announced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Meanwhile, Spain celebrated a historic milestone, becoming the first side to register six consecutive World Cup clean sheets.</p>



<p>Image Credit: <a href="https://files.sofascore.com/news/2026/07/imago1079249411-1024x683.jpg">Source</a></p>


Spain Edge Portugal as Ronaldo’s Dream Ends


<p>Belgium ended the United States&#8217; World Cup journey with a ruthless 4–1 victory in Seattle, eliminating the tournament&#8217;s final co-host. The pre-match buildup was dominated by FIFA’s heavily criticised decision to suspend US striker Folarin Balogun&#8217;s red-card ban following intervention from US President Donald Trump.</p>



<p>Belgium captain Youri Tielemans revealed this fuelled his side: &#8220;We told ourselves we needed to do our talking on the pitch.&#8221;</p>



<p>They did exactly that. Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring early, though Malik Tillman briefly equalised for the hosts via a deflected free-kick. Just two minutes later, De Ketelaere scored his second with a header to restore Belgium&#8217;s lead.</p>



<p>The US never recovered. A catastrophic second-half goalkeeping blunder by Matt Freese allowed Hans Vanaken to score, before Romelu Lukaku sealed the win in stoppage time, setting up a quarter-final clash against Spain.</p>



<p>Reflecting on the elimination, US coach Mauricio Pochettino said: &#8220;Today we were not the same team that we have been during the tournament.&#8221; The defeat marks a painful reality check for the host nation, who crash out in the Round of 16 for the fourth time in five tournaments.</p>



<p><br>Image Credit: <a href="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-760w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2026-07/260707-belgium-rs-545ae1.jpg">Source<br></a></p>


Belgium Crush US World Cup Hopes Amid Controversy


<p>In an unprecedented move that has stunned the football world, FIFA has lifted the automatic one-game suspension for U.S. forward Folarin Balogun ahead of Monday’s World Cup clash against Belgium. Balogun received a controversial straight red card for an awkward tackle during last Wednesday’s July 1st&nbsp; 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Under FIFA guidelines, a red card carries a mandatory one-match ban.</p>



<p>The decision followed an extraordinary intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump, who personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review. Celebrating the outcome, Trump wrote on social media, “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”</p>



<p>FIFA utilized Article 27 of its disciplinary code to pause the ban, stating, “The implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.”</p>



<p>The sudden reversal sparked immense backlash from the Royal Belgian Football Association, which declared it was “astonished” by the decision. Expressing his sheer disbelief at the political interference, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia mocked the governing body&#8217;s integrity. &#8220;I didn&#8217;t know that in the offices of FIFA the 5th of July was the 1st of April in Europe,&#8221; Garcia remarked.</p>



<p>Image Credit: <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2026/07/06/politics/trump-world-cup-balogun-red-card-infantino-analysis">Source</a></p>


FIFA Reverses Red Card after Trump Interference


<p>Morocco advanced to the World Cup round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw in Monterrey, Mexico, on Tuesday, 30 June.</p>



<p>Ronald Koeman’s tactical shift to a defensive five-man backline surrendered 70% of possession to Morocco. Despite this, the Dutch broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute when substitute Wout Weghorst helped set up Cody Gakpo for an emotional goal. However, Morocco equalised in stoppage time when Issa Diop headed home Chemsdine Talbi&#8217;s cross.</p>



<p>After a quiet extra-time period, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved Crysencio Summerville’s penalty, allowing Ismael Saibari to strike the winning spot-kick.</p>



<p>The intense fixture highlighted a deeper cultural narrative. Decades of migration mean many Dutch citizens hold Moroccan heritage, and Morocco&#8217;s football federation has aggressively recruited dual-nationals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Nineteen of Morocco’s 26-man squad were born abroad, including elite Dutch-educated talents like Saibari. This recruitment shift was famously sparked by Hakim Ziyech, who previously explained his international choice by stating: “I’ve always felt Moroccan. You choose with your heart.”</p>



<p>Morocco’s sophisticated recruitment paid off on the pitch, and the Atlas Lions now progress to face Canada in Houston, Texas.</p>



<p>Image Credit: <a href="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/76f0984ca59337d94cd3bf452222f92f5d53cedb/0_0_3931_2601/master/3931.jpg?width=465&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none">Source</a></p>


Morocco Edge Out the Dutch in World Cup Thriller


<p>Tottenham Hotspur have decided not to trigger the purchase option in Joao Palhinha’s loan agreement, confirming that he will return to Bayern Munich ahead of the new season.</p>



<p>The decision follows massive summer investment in Spurs’ midfield, with the club spending roughly €215 million to secure Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. This influx of talent ultimately squeezed the 30-year-old midfielder out of Roberto De Zerbi’s future plans.</p>



<p>Despite arriving amid initial skepticism, Palhinha departs north London as a fan favourite and potential cult hero. He played a pivotal part in saving Tottenham from a grueling relegation threat during what many consider a tough season, contributing seven goals and three assists. His crucial, improbable strikes against Wolves and Everton ultimately preserved Spurs’ English Premier League status.</p>



<p>Following the announcement on Friday, 3 July, Palhinha posted a heartfelt farewell to the Tottenham faithful on Instagram, writing: “Representing Tottenham has had a profound impact on my life, not only professionally but also personally, and it is something I will carry with me forever. I always tried to repay, in the best way I could, all the affection, respect and trust you showed me, both on and off the pitch.”</p>



<p>Palhinha now faces an uncertain future back at Bayern Munich, where he remains under contract until 2028. While a return to Sporting CP has been discussed, the German giants are expected to evaluate other transfer offers as pre-season approaches.</p>



<p>Image Credit: <a href="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/getty-2277992633/crop/MM5DGMBYGQ5DCNZTGU5G433XMU5DAORUGA======/GettyImages-2277992633.jpg?auto=webp&amp;format=pjpg&amp;width=1080&amp;quality=60">Source</a></p>


Bayern Beckons Palhinha After Spurs Snub Purchase Option

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