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Vitinha has urged Portugal fans to keep believing in the team ahead of tonight’s round-of-32 World Cup clash with Croatia in Toronto. Portugal faced criticism for their lacklustre showing in the group stage. A pre-tournament favorite to win Group K, Portugal instead finished second after disappointing draws against Congo DR and group winners Colombia. “I fully understand the doubts and criticism,” the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder said on Wednesday. “We welcome…

Thomas Tuchel saw spirit, rather than any hint of the England shirt weighing heavy, as Harry Kane‘s brace secured a memorable World Cup comeback win against Congo DR. A decade on from the excruciating Euros exit to Iceland, it looked like Atlanta would witness a loss every bit as humiliating following Brian Cipenga‘s early strike. Congo DR goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced the performance of his life as England toiled, but…

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — First, the good news: The United States men’s national team beat Bosnia-Herzegovina, 2-0, in the World Cup round of 32 here on Wednesday night. Now, the bad: If they’re going to go any farther, they may have to do it without their top goal scorer. Folarin Balogun scored what proved to be the decisive goal for the U.S. just before halftime — his third of the…

ARLINGTON, TEXAS — One of the greatest penalty takers of all time and now a Socceroos assistant coach, Mile Jedinak is confident that Australia will be ready should their FIFA World Cup clash with Egypt go to a shootout. With Australia set to face off with the African powerhouses in Dallas this Friday (Saturday 4 a.m. AEST) in the round of 32, the assistant coach has already watched as two…

DALLAS, Texas — After being unexpectedly tapped to captain the Socceroos at the FIFA World Cup, Harry Souttar has been praised by Australian staff and players alike, with assistant coach Mile Jedinak noting the defender’s authenticity. Entrusted with the armband after Mathew Ryan and Jackson Irvine were surprisingly benched for the Socceroos’ opening fixture against Türkiye, Souttar has proven a pillar of defensive strength and leadership since, putting in close…

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Folarin Balogun‘s star-turn at this World Cup went sideways early in the second half on Wednesday night, as the American forward was sent off — after a VAR review — for dragging his cleats down the back of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic‘s leg and onto his foot. Balogun had put the United States in front, 1-0, just before halftime with his third goal of the tournament.…

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Coach Luis de la Fuente said he “loves” Lamine Yamal‘s “optimism and confidence” after the star boasted that Spain would be “almost unstoppable” when they hit top World Cup form. Spain play Austria at SoFi Stadium on Thursday in the round of 32, having topped their group but failed to perform at their best so far, unlike other leading candidates like France.

SEATTLE — Youri Tielemans scored from the penalty spot in stoppage time of extra time, and Belgium came back from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 Wednesday in the Round of 32 at the World Cup. Tielemans was fouled just before the end of the 30 minutes of extra time were finished and the referee awarded the penalty after a video review.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Christian Pulisic has been named in the United States men’s national team’s starting lineup for Wednesday’s World Cup round-of-32 clash with Bosnia-Herzegovina after recovering from a calf injury. The AC Milan attacker has not started for the U.S. since its World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 12, when he aggravated an injury to his left calf and was replaced at halftime. The ailment caused him…