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Deadspin | OpTic, Thieves advance to CDL Major 4 upper-bracket final  Jul 19, 2019; Miami Beach, FL, USA; A general view of custom PlayStation controllers sold by a vender during the Call of Duty League Finals e-sports event at Miami Beach Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images   OpTic Texas charged into the upper-bracket final of the Call of Duty League Stage 4 Major, cruising to a 3-0 win over G2 Minnesota on Saturday in Nanterre, France.  OpTic move on to face Los Angeles Thieves, who eked out a 3-2 win over FaZe Vegas in the other upper-bracket semifinal.  Meanwhile, the host Paris Gentle Mates stayed alive with a pair of victories in the lower bracket. First, the Gentle Mates overtook the Miami Heretics 3-2. Then Paris ousted G2 Minnesota 3-1 in a lower-bracket quarterfinal match.  In the other lower-bracket quarterfinal, FaZe Vegas swept the Toronto KOI 3-0.  The 12 Call of Duty League teams played five qualifying matches apiece to determine seeding for the fourth major of the season, which is being held through Sunday with a 5,000 prize pool. The winning team earns 0,000 and 100 CDL points. All matches are best-of-five until the best-of-seven grand final.  On Saturday, Texas toppled Minnesota 250-186 on Scar Hardpoint, 6-2 on Gridlock Search and Destroy and 3-1 on Den Overload.  The United States’ Mason “Mercules” Ramsey produced 75 kills and a plus-11 kill-death differential. Cesar “Skyz” Bueno of the U.S. paced G2 with 64 kills and a minus-1 K-D differential.  The Thieves opened with a 250-202 win on Den Hardpoint and a 6-3 victory on Gridlock Search and Destroy, but FaZe equalized by taking Scar Overload 5-0 and Scar Hardpoint 250-141. On the decisive fifth map, Den Search and Destroy, Los Angeles prevailed 6-5.  France’s Paco “HyDra” Rusiewiez amassed 98 kills and a minus-7 K-D differential for the Thieves. The United States’ Jovan “04” Rodriguez totaled 119 kills and a plus-28 K-D differential for Vegas.  Miami jumped to a 2-1 edge on Paris by sandwiching a 250-167 victory on Gridlock Hardpoint and a 4-1 win on Gridlock Overload around a 6-2 loss on Fringe Search and Destroy. The Gentle Mates took the final two maps, 250-227 on Scar Hardpoint and 6-0 on Hacienda Search and Destroy.  Joseph “JoeDeceives” Romero of the U.S. carried Paris with 103 kills and a plus-22 K-D differential. David “RenKoR” Isern propelled the all-Spanish Heretics with 95 kills and a plus-17 K-D differential.  The Gentle Mates got off to a hot start in their second match of the day, taking Colossus Hardpoint 250-188 and Fringe Search and Destroy 6-4. Minnesota extended the contest by winning 4-3 on Den Overload, but Paris wrapped up the series by claiming Den Hardpoint 250-144.  JoeDeceives shined again, finishing with 106 kills and a plus-23 K-D differential. The United States’ Dylan “Envoy” Hannon wound up with 86 kills and a minus-21 K-D differential for G2.  Vegas blitzed the KOI 250-208 on Gridlock Hardpoint, 6-2 on Fringe Search and Destroy and 8-2 on Scar Overload behind the United States’ Zachary “Drazah” Jordan (68 kills and a plus-17 K-D differential). Jamie “Insight” Craven of Great Britain and Nicholas “Kips” Lyons of the U.S. each had 55 kills for Toronto.   The Sunday schedule  –Upper-bracket final: Los Angeles Thieves vs. OpTic Texas  –Lower-bracket semifinal: Paris Gentle Mates vs. FaZe Vegas  –Lower-bracket final: Los Angeles/Texas winner vs. Paris/Vegas winner  –Grand final: upper-bracket winner vs. lower-bracket winner  Call of Duty League Stage 4 Major prize pool (Money winnings, CDL points)  1. 0,000, 100 — TBD  2. ,000, 75 — TBD  3. ,000, 60 — TBD  4. ,000, 45 — TBD  5-6. ,000, 30 — G2 Minnesota, Toronto KOI  7-8. ,500, 15 — Boston Breach, Miami Heretics  9-12. no money, no points — Carolina Royal Ravens, Cloud9 New York, Riyadh Falcons, Vancouver Surge  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #OpTic #Thieves #advance #CDL #Major #upperbracket #final

Deadspin | OpTic, Thieves advance to CDL Major 4 upper-bracket final
Deadspin | OpTic, Thieves advance to CDL Major 4 upper-bracket final  Jul 19, 2019; Miami Beach, FL, USA; A general view of custom PlayStation controllers sold by a vender during the Call of Duty League Finals e-sports event at Miami Beach Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images   OpTic Texas charged into the upper-bracket final of the Call of Duty League Stage 4 Major, cruising to a 3-0 win over G2 Minnesota on Saturday in Nanterre, France.  OpTic move on to face Los Angeles Thieves, who eked out a 3-2 win over FaZe Vegas in the other upper-bracket semifinal.  Meanwhile, the host Paris Gentle Mates stayed alive with a pair of victories in the lower bracket. First, the Gentle Mates overtook the Miami Heretics 3-2. Then Paris ousted G2 Minnesota 3-1 in a lower-bracket quarterfinal match.  In the other lower-bracket quarterfinal, FaZe Vegas swept the Toronto KOI 3-0.  The 12 Call of Duty League teams played five qualifying matches apiece to determine seeding for the fourth major of the season, which is being held through Sunday with a 5,000 prize pool. The winning team earns 0,000 and 100 CDL points. All matches are best-of-five until the best-of-seven grand final.  On Saturday, Texas toppled Minnesota 250-186 on Scar Hardpoint, 6-2 on Gridlock Search and Destroy and 3-1 on Den Overload.  The United States’ Mason “Mercules” Ramsey produced 75 kills and a plus-11 kill-death differential. Cesar “Skyz” Bueno of the U.S. paced G2 with 64 kills and a minus-1 K-D differential.  The Thieves opened with a 250-202 win on Den Hardpoint and a 6-3 victory on Gridlock Search and Destroy, but FaZe equalized by taking Scar Overload 5-0 and Scar Hardpoint 250-141. On the decisive fifth map, Den Search and Destroy, Los Angeles prevailed 6-5.  France’s Paco “HyDra” Rusiewiez amassed 98 kills and a minus-7 K-D differential for the Thieves. The United States’ Jovan “04” Rodriguez totaled 119 kills and a plus-28 K-D differential for Vegas.  Miami jumped to a 2-1 edge on Paris by sandwiching a 250-167 victory on Gridlock Hardpoint and a 4-1 win on Gridlock Overload around a 6-2 loss on Fringe Search and Destroy. The Gentle Mates took the final two maps, 250-227 on Scar Hardpoint and 6-0 on Hacienda Search and Destroy.  Joseph “JoeDeceives” Romero of the U.S. carried Paris with 103 kills and a plus-22 K-D differential. David “RenKoR” Isern propelled the all-Spanish Heretics with 95 kills and a plus-17 K-D differential.  The Gentle Mates got off to a hot start in their second match of the day, taking Colossus Hardpoint 250-188 and Fringe Search and Destroy 6-4. Minnesota extended the contest by winning 4-3 on Den Overload, but Paris wrapped up the series by claiming Den Hardpoint 250-144.  JoeDeceives shined again, finishing with 106 kills and a plus-23 K-D differential. The United States’ Dylan “Envoy” Hannon wound up with 86 kills and a minus-21 K-D differential for G2.  Vegas blitzed the KOI 250-208 on Gridlock Hardpoint, 6-2 on Fringe Search and Destroy and 8-2 on Scar Overload behind the United States’ Zachary “Drazah” Jordan (68 kills and a plus-17 K-D differential). Jamie “Insight” Craven of Great Britain and Nicholas “Kips” Lyons of the U.S. each had 55 kills for Toronto.   The Sunday schedule  –Upper-bracket final: Los Angeles Thieves vs. OpTic Texas  –Lower-bracket semifinal: Paris Gentle Mates vs. FaZe Vegas  –Lower-bracket final: Los Angeles/Texas winner vs. Paris/Vegas winner  –Grand final: upper-bracket winner vs. lower-bracket winner  Call of Duty League Stage 4 Major prize pool (Money winnings, CDL points)  1. 0,000, 100 — TBD  2. ,000, 75 — TBD  3. ,000, 60 — TBD  4. ,000, 45 — TBD  5-6. ,000, 30 — G2 Minnesota, Toronto KOI  7-8. ,500, 15 — Boston Breach, Miami Heretics  9-12. no money, no points — Carolina Royal Ravens, Cloud9 New York, Riyadh Falcons, Vancouver Surge  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #OpTic #Thieves #advance #CDL #Major #upperbracket #finalJul 19, 2019; Miami Beach, FL, USA; A general view of custom PlayStation controllers sold by a vender during the Call of Duty League Finals e-sports event at Miami Beach Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

OpTic Texas charged into the upper-bracket final of the Call of Duty League Stage 4 Major, cruising to a 3-0 win over G2 Minnesota on Saturday in Nanterre, France.

OpTic move on to face Los Angeles Thieves, who eked out a 3-2 win over FaZe Vegas in the other upper-bracket semifinal.

Meanwhile, the host Paris Gentle Mates stayed alive with a pair of victories in the lower bracket. First, the Gentle Mates overtook the Miami Heretics 3-2. Then Paris ousted G2 Minnesota 3-1 in a lower-bracket quarterfinal match.

In the other lower-bracket quarterfinal, FaZe Vegas swept the Toronto KOI 3-0.

The 12 Call of Duty League teams played five qualifying matches apiece to determine seeding for the fourth major of the season, which is being held through Sunday with a $365,000 prize pool. The winning team earns $150,000 and 100 CDL points. All matches are best-of-five until the best-of-seven grand final.

On Saturday, Texas toppled Minnesota 250-186 on Scar Hardpoint, 6-2 on Gridlock Search and Destroy and 3-1 on Den Overload.

The United States’ Mason “Mercules” Ramsey produced 75 kills and a plus-11 kill-death differential. Cesar “Skyz” Bueno of the U.S. paced G2 with 64 kills and a minus-1 K-D differential.

The Thieves opened with a 250-202 win on Den Hardpoint and a 6-3 victory on Gridlock Search and Destroy, but FaZe equalized by taking Scar Overload 5-0 and Scar Hardpoint 250-141. On the decisive fifth map, Den Search and Destroy, Los Angeles prevailed 6-5.

France’s Paco “HyDra” Rusiewiez amassed 98 kills and a minus-7 K-D differential for the Thieves. The United States’ Jovan “04” Rodriguez totaled 119 kills and a plus-28 K-D differential for Vegas.

Miami jumped to a 2-1 edge on Paris by sandwiching a 250-167 victory on Gridlock Hardpoint and a 4-1 win on Gridlock Overload around a 6-2 loss on Fringe Search and Destroy. The Gentle Mates took the final two maps, 250-227 on Scar Hardpoint and 6-0 on Hacienda Search and Destroy.

Joseph “JoeDeceives” Romero of the U.S. carried Paris with 103 kills and a plus-22 K-D differential. David “RenKoR” Isern propelled the all-Spanish Heretics with 95 kills and a plus-17 K-D differential.

The Gentle Mates got off to a hot start in their second match of the day, taking Colossus Hardpoint 250-188 and Fringe Search and Destroy 6-4. Minnesota extended the contest by winning 4-3 on Den Overload, but Paris wrapped up the series by claiming Den Hardpoint 250-144.

JoeDeceives shined again, finishing with 106 kills and a plus-23 K-D differential. The United States’ Dylan “Envoy” Hannon wound up with 86 kills and a minus-21 K-D differential for G2.


Vegas blitzed the KOI 250-208 on Gridlock Hardpoint, 6-2 on Fringe Search and Destroy and 8-2 on Scar Overload behind the United States’ Zachary “Drazah” Jordan (68 kills and a plus-17 K-D differential). Jamie “Insight” Craven of Great Britain and Nicholas “Kips” Lyons of the U.S. each had 55 kills for Toronto.

The Sunday schedule

–Upper-bracket final: Los Angeles Thieves vs. OpTic Texas

–Lower-bracket semifinal: Paris Gentle Mates vs. FaZe Vegas

–Lower-bracket final: Los Angeles/Texas winner vs. Paris/Vegas winner

–Grand final: upper-bracket winner vs. lower-bracket winner

Call of Duty League Stage 4 Major prize pool (Money winnings, CDL points)

1. $150,000, 100 — TBD

2. $90,000, 75 — TBD

3. $50,000, 60 — TBD

4. $30,000, 45 — TBD

5-6. $15,000, 30 — G2 Minnesota, Toronto KOI

7-8. $7,500, 15 — Boston Breach, Miami Heretics

9-12. no money, no points — Carolina Royal Ravens, Cloud9 New York, Riyadh Falcons, Vancouver Surge


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #OpTic #Thieves #advance #CDL #Major #upperbracket #final

Jul 19, 2019; Miami Beach, FL, USA; A general view of custom PlayStation controllers sold by a vender during the Call of Duty League Finals e-sports event at Miami Beach Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

OpTic Texas charged into the upper-bracket final of the Call of Duty League Stage 4 Major, cruising to a 3-0 win over G2 Minnesota on Saturday in Nanterre, France.

OpTic move on to face Los Angeles Thieves, who eked out a 3-2 win over FaZe Vegas in the other upper-bracket semifinal.

Meanwhile, the host Paris Gentle Mates stayed alive with a pair of victories in the lower bracket. First, the Gentle Mates overtook the Miami Heretics 3-2. Then Paris ousted G2 Minnesota 3-1 in a lower-bracket quarterfinal match.

In the other lower-bracket quarterfinal, FaZe Vegas swept the Toronto KOI 3-0.

The 12 Call of Duty League teams played five qualifying matches apiece to determine seeding for the fourth major of the season, which is being held through Sunday with a $365,000 prize pool. The winning team earns $150,000 and 100 CDL points. All matches are best-of-five until the best-of-seven grand final.

On Saturday, Texas toppled Minnesota 250-186 on Scar Hardpoint, 6-2 on Gridlock Search and Destroy and 3-1 on Den Overload.

The United States’ Mason “Mercules” Ramsey produced 75 kills and a plus-11 kill-death differential. Cesar “Skyz” Bueno of the U.S. paced G2 with 64 kills and a minus-1 K-D differential.

The Thieves opened with a 250-202 win on Den Hardpoint and a 6-3 victory on Gridlock Search and Destroy, but FaZe equalized by taking Scar Overload 5-0 and Scar Hardpoint 250-141. On the decisive fifth map, Den Search and Destroy, Los Angeles prevailed 6-5.

France’s Paco “HyDra” Rusiewiez amassed 98 kills and a minus-7 K-D differential for the Thieves. The United States’ Jovan “04” Rodriguez totaled 119 kills and a plus-28 K-D differential for Vegas.

Miami jumped to a 2-1 edge on Paris by sandwiching a 250-167 victory on Gridlock Hardpoint and a 4-1 win on Gridlock Overload around a 6-2 loss on Fringe Search and Destroy. The Gentle Mates took the final two maps, 250-227 on Scar Hardpoint and 6-0 on Hacienda Search and Destroy.

Joseph “JoeDeceives” Romero of the U.S. carried Paris with 103 kills and a plus-22 K-D differential. David “RenKoR” Isern propelled the all-Spanish Heretics with 95 kills and a plus-17 K-D differential.

The Gentle Mates got off to a hot start in their second match of the day, taking Colossus Hardpoint 250-188 and Fringe Search and Destroy 6-4. Minnesota extended the contest by winning 4-3 on Den Overload, but Paris wrapped up the series by claiming Den Hardpoint 250-144.

JoeDeceives shined again, finishing with 106 kills and a plus-23 K-D differential. The United States’ Dylan “Envoy” Hannon wound up with 86 kills and a minus-21 K-D differential for G2.

Vegas blitzed the KOI 250-208 on Gridlock Hardpoint, 6-2 on Fringe Search and Destroy and 8-2 on Scar Overload behind the United States’ Zachary “Drazah” Jordan (68 kills and a plus-17 K-D differential). Jamie “Insight” Craven of Great Britain and Nicholas “Kips” Lyons of the U.S. each had 55 kills for Toronto.

The Sunday schedule

–Upper-bracket final: Los Angeles Thieves vs. OpTic Texas

–Lower-bracket semifinal: Paris Gentle Mates vs. FaZe Vegas

–Lower-bracket final: Los Angeles/Texas winner vs. Paris/Vegas winner

–Grand final: upper-bracket winner vs. lower-bracket winner

Call of Duty League Stage 4 Major prize pool (Money winnings, CDL points)

1. $150,000, 100 — TBD

2. $90,000, 75 — TBD

3. $50,000, 60 — TBD

4. $30,000, 45 — TBD

5-6. $15,000, 30 — G2 Minnesota, Toronto KOI

7-8. $7,500, 15 — Boston Breach, Miami Heretics

9-12. no money, no points — Carolina Royal Ravens, Cloud9 New York, Riyadh Falcons, Vancouver Surge

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #OpTic #Thieves #advance #CDL #Major #upperbracket #final

Portugal coach Roberto ‌Martinez defended Cristiano Ronaldo after his skipper played another 90 minutes ​in the 0-0 World Cup Group K draw with Colombia, as his ⁠side finished in second place on Saturday, while the tournament’s biggest names took a breather.

Leading scorers like Argentina’s Lionel Messi did not start the final group game while Norway’s Erling Haaland was ‌rested, but Ronaldo has played every minute of every game so far.

The 41-year-old forward has faced criticism for his lack of contribution in Portugal ‌games, particularly his limited defensive work when the rest of the team tracks ‌back, ⁠but Martinez dismissed comparisons with other players’ game-time.

“Obviously we don’t compare ⁠players in our team with other players to make decisions. I think that would be quite childish and very unprofessional,” he told reporters.

“I can tell you that we monitor all the (player) information that we get ​live during the games.

“There are different ‌positions on the pitch that need different needs and we monitor that down to the detail.

“Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It’s more a question of mentally being strong and always being disciplined in ‌his position.

“There is no issue, physically or mentally, for Cristiano in today’s ​game to play the 90 minutes. Maybe the next game we need to make a change, but that’s like any other player.”

Also read | Lionel Messi shines off the bench as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1

Portugal ⁠reached the knockout stage in second place and face Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday, a match that carries special significance as it will be played one day ‌before the anniversary of the death of its forward Diogo Jota.

Jota was remembered prior to kickoff on Saturday when his image was beamed on the screens in the stadium just as the Portuguese national anthem finished and Martinez viewed the upcoming anniversary as an inspiration.

“Obviously, every day is difficult. When you are training, there are always moments that Diogo Jota comes back into our memories. So I wouldn’t say that the ‌anniversary needs to be especially difficult. I would say that it’s a little bit of a ​celebration,” Martinez said.

“We need to honour Diogo Jota. It’s a moment to cherish, that everything we started in this team started with him. We ⁠won the Nations League with him. He’s probably the sign and the light of the ⁠biggest stimulation that we have.

“We want to win the World Cup for him. The anniversary is just a moment that makes the game Diogo Jota’s ‌game.

“It’s not a difficult moment, the difficulty is every day when he’s not there physically … Probably moments like this, when you don’t win a game, the reference ​of having his desire, his belief, is always very clear in our presence.”

Published on Jun 28, 2026

#Ronaldo #plays #Portugals #Martinez #defends #marathon #minutes #World #Cup">Ronaldo plays on as Portugal’s Martinez defends marathon minutes at World Cup  Portugal coach Roberto ‌Martinez defended Cristiano Ronaldo after his skipper played another 90 minutes ​in the 0-0 World Cup Group K draw with Colombia, as his ⁠side finished in second place on Saturday, while the tournament’s biggest names took a breather.Leading scorers like Argentina’s Lionel Messi did not start the final group game while Norway’s Erling Haaland was ‌rested, but Ronaldo has played every minute of every game so far.The 41-year-old forward has faced criticism for his lack of contribution in Portugal ‌games, particularly his limited defensive work when the rest of the team tracks ‌back, ⁠but Martinez dismissed comparisons with other players’ game-time.“Obviously we don’t compare ⁠players in our team with other players to make decisions. I think that would be quite childish and very unprofessional,” he told reporters.“I can tell you that we monitor all the (player) information that we get ​live during the games.“There are different ‌positions on the pitch that need different needs and we monitor that down to the detail.“Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It’s more a question of mentally being strong and always being disciplined in ‌his position.“There is no issue, physically or mentally, for Cristiano in today’s ​game to play the 90 minutes. Maybe the next game we need to make a change, but that’s like any other player.”Also read | Lionel Messi shines off the bench as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1Portugal ⁠reached the knockout stage in second place and face Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday, a match that carries special significance as it will be played one day ‌before the anniversary of the death of its forward Diogo Jota.Jota was remembered prior to kickoff on Saturday when his image was beamed on the screens in the stadium just as the Portuguese national anthem finished and Martinez viewed the upcoming anniversary as an inspiration.“Obviously, every day is difficult. When you are training, there are always moments that Diogo Jota comes back into our memories. So I wouldn’t say that the ‌anniversary needs to be especially difficult. I would say that it’s a little bit of a ​celebration,” Martinez said.“We need to honour Diogo Jota. It’s a moment to cherish, that everything we started in this team started with him. We ⁠won the Nations League with him. He’s probably the sign and the light of the ⁠biggest stimulation that we have.“We want to win the World Cup for him. The anniversary is just a moment that makes the game Diogo Jota’s ‌game.“It’s not a difficult moment, the difficulty is every day when he’s not there physically … Probably moments like this, when you don’t win a game, the reference ​of having his desire, his belief, is always very clear in our presence.”Published on Jun 28, 2026  #Ronaldo #plays #Portugals #Martinez #defends #marathon #minutes #World #Cup

Lionel Messi shines off the bench as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1

Portugal ⁠reached the knockout stage in second place and face Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday, a match that carries special significance as it will be played one day ‌before the anniversary of the death of its forward Diogo Jota.

Jota was remembered prior to kickoff on Saturday when his image was beamed on the screens in the stadium just as the Portuguese national anthem finished and Martinez viewed the upcoming anniversary as an inspiration.

“Obviously, every day is difficult. When you are training, there are always moments that Diogo Jota comes back into our memories. So I wouldn’t say that the ‌anniversary needs to be especially difficult. I would say that it’s a little bit of a ​celebration,” Martinez said.

“We need to honour Diogo Jota. It’s a moment to cherish, that everything we started in this team started with him. We ⁠won the Nations League with him. He’s probably the sign and the light of the ⁠biggest stimulation that we have.

“We want to win the World Cup for him. The anniversary is just a moment that makes the game Diogo Jota’s ‌game.

“It’s not a difficult moment, the difficulty is every day when he’s not there physically … Probably moments like this, when you don’t win a game, the reference ​of having his desire, his belief, is always very clear in our presence.”

Published on Jun 28, 2026

#Ronaldo #plays #Portugals #Martinez #defends #marathon #minutes #World #Cup">Ronaldo plays on as Portugal’s Martinez defends marathon minutes at World Cup

Portugal coach Roberto ‌Martinez defended Cristiano Ronaldo after his skipper played another 90 minutes ​in the 0-0 World Cup Group K draw with Colombia, as his ⁠side finished in second place on Saturday, while the tournament’s biggest names took a breather.

Leading scorers like Argentina’s Lionel Messi did not start the final group game while Norway’s Erling Haaland was ‌rested, but Ronaldo has played every minute of every game so far.

The 41-year-old forward has faced criticism for his lack of contribution in Portugal ‌games, particularly his limited defensive work when the rest of the team tracks ‌back, ⁠but Martinez dismissed comparisons with other players’ game-time.

“Obviously we don’t compare ⁠players in our team with other players to make decisions. I think that would be quite childish and very unprofessional,” he told reporters.

“I can tell you that we monitor all the (player) information that we get ​live during the games.

“There are different ‌positions on the pitch that need different needs and we monitor that down to the detail.

“Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It’s more a question of mentally being strong and always being disciplined in ‌his position.

“There is no issue, physically or mentally, for Cristiano in today’s ​game to play the 90 minutes. Maybe the next game we need to make a change, but that’s like any other player.”

Also read | Lionel Messi shines off the bench as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1

Portugal ⁠reached the knockout stage in second place and face Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday, a match that carries special significance as it will be played one day ‌before the anniversary of the death of its forward Diogo Jota.

Jota was remembered prior to kickoff on Saturday when his image was beamed on the screens in the stadium just as the Portuguese national anthem finished and Martinez viewed the upcoming anniversary as an inspiration.

“Obviously, every day is difficult. When you are training, there are always moments that Diogo Jota comes back into our memories. So I wouldn’t say that the ‌anniversary needs to be especially difficult. I would say that it’s a little bit of a ​celebration,” Martinez said.

“We need to honour Diogo Jota. It’s a moment to cherish, that everything we started in this team started with him. We ⁠won the Nations League with him. He’s probably the sign and the light of the ⁠biggest stimulation that we have.

“We want to win the World Cup for him. The anniversary is just a moment that makes the game Diogo Jota’s ‌game.

“It’s not a difficult moment, the difficulty is every day when he’s not there physically … Probably moments like this, when you don’t win a game, the reference ​of having his desire, his belief, is always very clear in our presence.”

Published on Jun 28, 2026

#Ronaldo #plays #Portugals #Martinez #defends #marathon #minutes #World #Cup
Deadspin | Eugenio Suarez rescues Reds against Pirates with 3-run shot  Jun 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) greets catcher Jose Trevino (35) crossing home plate to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images   With the Reds down to their last strike, Eugenio Suarez hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the top of the ninth to lift Cincinnati to a 9-7 comeback win over the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night.  Suarez’s eighth homer of the season off Pirates closer Gregory Soto (4-2) gave the Reds back-to-back wins and doubled their win total against National League Central division opponents entering the series. It was Soto’s fourth blown save of the season.  Soto gave up a single to Edwin Arroyo, who finished with two hits, and walked Elly De La Cruz to open the ninth. Sal Stewart, who had two hits and two RBIs, grounded into a double play. But Soto walked JJ Bleday, keeping the inning alive for Suarez.  Chase Petty shut the door on the Pirates in the bottom of the ninth to record his first career save.  The Pirates had taken a 7-6 lead in the bottom of the eighth on Esmerlyn Valdez’s pinch-hit solo homer off Caleb Ferguson (1-0). It was Valdez’s second home run in as many days and fourth of the season.  Jose Trevino’s two-run single with one out in the top of the sixth scored Spencer Steer and Noelvi Marte and gave the Reds a 6-4 lead. Trevino also had two hits and two RBIs.   Reds starter Chase Burns struck out a season-high 10 batters, matching a career high, but he had his franchise-record streak of 12 consecutive outings allowing two runs or fewer snapped. Burns gave up five runs on nine hits and did not issue a walk.  Burns left the game following a leadoff double by Jared Triolo in the seventh. Triolo would come around to score two batters later on a sac fly by Brandon Lowe to cut Cincinnati’s lead to 6-5.  Reliever Sam Moll walked Bryan Reynolds and Nick Gonzales to set up Ryan O’Hearn’s game-tying single. Reynolds extended his hitting streak to 17 and on-base streak to 32.  Lowe led the Pirates with four RBIs and Triolo had three hits. Jake Mangum also had two hits. Jared Jones started for the Pirates and gave up three earned runs on four hits and a walk and struck out four in 4 2/3 innings.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Eugenio #Suarez #rescues #Reds #Pirates #3run #shotJun 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) greets catcher Jose Trevino (35) crossing home plate to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

With the Reds down to their last strike, Eugenio Suarez hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the top of the ninth to lift Cincinnati to a 9-7 comeback win over the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night.

Suarez’s eighth homer of the season off Pirates closer Gregory Soto (4-2) gave the Reds back-to-back wins and doubled their win total against National League Central division opponents entering the series. It was Soto’s fourth blown save of the season.

Soto gave up a single to Edwin Arroyo, who finished with two hits, and walked Elly De La Cruz to open the ninth. Sal Stewart, who had two hits and two RBIs, grounded into a double play. But Soto walked JJ Bleday, keeping the inning alive for Suarez.

Chase Petty shut the door on the Pirates in the bottom of the ninth to record his first career save.

The Pirates had taken a 7-6 lead in the bottom of the eighth on Esmerlyn Valdez’s pinch-hit solo homer off Caleb Ferguson (1-0). It was Valdez’s second home run in as many days and fourth of the season.


Jose Trevino’s two-run single with one out in the top of the sixth scored Spencer Steer and Noelvi Marte and gave the Reds a 6-4 lead. Trevino also had two hits and two RBIs.

Reds starter Chase Burns struck out a season-high 10 batters, matching a career high, but he had his franchise-record streak of 12 consecutive outings allowing two runs or fewer snapped. Burns gave up five runs on nine hits and did not issue a walk.

Burns left the game following a leadoff double by Jared Triolo in the seventh. Triolo would come around to score two batters later on a sac fly by Brandon Lowe to cut Cincinnati’s lead to 6-5.

Reliever Sam Moll walked Bryan Reynolds and Nick Gonzales to set up Ryan O’Hearn’s game-tying single. Reynolds extended his hitting streak to 17 and on-base streak to 32.

Lowe led the Pirates with four RBIs and Triolo had three hits. Jake Mangum also had two hits. Jared Jones started for the Pirates and gave up three earned runs on four hits and a walk and struck out four in 4 2/3 innings.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Eugenio #Suarez #rescues #Reds #Pirates #3run #shot">Deadspin | Eugenio Suarez rescues Reds against Pirates with 3-run shot  Jun 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) greets catcher Jose Trevino (35) crossing home plate to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images   With the Reds down to their last strike, Eugenio Suarez hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the top of the ninth to lift Cincinnati to a 9-7 comeback win over the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night.  Suarez’s eighth homer of the season off Pirates closer Gregory Soto (4-2) gave the Reds back-to-back wins and doubled their win total against National League Central division opponents entering the series. It was Soto’s fourth blown save of the season.  Soto gave up a single to Edwin Arroyo, who finished with two hits, and walked Elly De La Cruz to open the ninth. Sal Stewart, who had two hits and two RBIs, grounded into a double play. But Soto walked JJ Bleday, keeping the inning alive for Suarez.  Chase Petty shut the door on the Pirates in the bottom of the ninth to record his first career save.  The Pirates had taken a 7-6 lead in the bottom of the eighth on Esmerlyn Valdez’s pinch-hit solo homer off Caleb Ferguson (1-0). It was Valdez’s second home run in as many days and fourth of the season.  Jose Trevino’s two-run single with one out in the top of the sixth scored Spencer Steer and Noelvi Marte and gave the Reds a 6-4 lead. Trevino also had two hits and two RBIs.   Reds starter Chase Burns struck out a season-high 10 batters, matching a career high, but he had his franchise-record streak of 12 consecutive outings allowing two runs or fewer snapped. Burns gave up five runs on nine hits and did not issue a walk.  Burns left the game following a leadoff double by Jared Triolo in the seventh. Triolo would come around to score two batters later on a sac fly by Brandon Lowe to cut Cincinnati’s lead to 6-5.  Reliever Sam Moll walked Bryan Reynolds and Nick Gonzales to set up Ryan O’Hearn’s game-tying single. Reynolds extended his hitting streak to 17 and on-base streak to 32.  Lowe led the Pirates with four RBIs and Triolo had three hits. Jake Mangum also had two hits. Jared Jones started for the Pirates and gave up three earned runs on four hits and a walk and struck out four in 4 2/3 innings.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Eugenio #Suarez #rescues #Reds #Pirates #3run #shot

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