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Champions League — PSG rues missed chances despite beating Liverpool 2-0 in quarterfinals  Paris ​Saint-Germain was left ruing missed chances that kept Liverpool in contention in its Champions League quarterfinal ‌despite a convincing 2-0 home win in Wednesday’s first leg, with the visiting side ​admitting it had been in survival mode for long spells.The defending champion prevailed ⁠thanks to goals by Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but Ousmane Dembele and Nuno Mendes missed golden chances in the second half that would have virtually sent it into the semifinals.“We had clear chances to ‌score more goals. We kept Liverpool alive, but we’re happy with the performance. We want to stick to the same approach — it’s what we’ve been doing ‌for a long time,” fullback Achraf Hakimi said.Teammate Warren Zaire Emery, who with Joao Neves ‌and ⁠Vitinha bossed the midfield, also regretted the missed opportunities.“We could have scored more ⁠goals, which is a shame. 2-0 is already good, but nothing is done. We’ll go there with the same intentions, looking to win the match,” he said.“We’ll need to stay focused and do what we did here. We ​always try to prepare games the same ‌way, playing as high up the pitch as possible. We had plenty of chances and should have put them away.”Coach Luis Enrique echoed the sentiment.“It’s a shame, clearly. We put in a performance worthy of our supporters. We played very well and deserved more ‌goals. But this is the Champions League. We’re happy, and there’s still the second ​leg to come,” he said.Published on Apr 09, 2026  #Champions #League #PSG #rues #missed #chances #beating #Liverpool #quarterfinals

Champions League — PSG rues missed chances despite beating Liverpool 2-0 in quarterfinals

Paris ​Saint-Germain was left ruing missed chances that kept Liverpool in contention in its Champions League quarterfinal ‌despite a convincing 2-0 home win in Wednesday’s first leg, with the visiting side ​admitting it had been in survival mode for long spells.

The defending champion prevailed ⁠thanks to goals by Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but Ousmane Dembele and Nuno Mendes missed golden chances in the second half that would have virtually sent it into the semifinals.

“We had clear chances to ‌score more goals. We kept Liverpool alive, but we’re happy with the performance. We want to stick to the same approach — it’s what we’ve been doing ‌for a long time,” fullback Achraf Hakimi said.

Teammate Warren Zaire Emery, who with Joao Neves ‌and ⁠Vitinha bossed the midfield, also regretted the missed opportunities.

“We could have scored more ⁠goals, which is a shame. 2-0 is already good, but nothing is done. We’ll go there with the same intentions, looking to win the match,” he said.

“We’ll need to stay focused and do what we did here. We ​always try to prepare games the same ‌way, playing as high up the pitch as possible. We had plenty of chances and should have put them away.”

Coach Luis Enrique echoed the sentiment.

“It’s a shame, clearly. We put in a performance worthy of our supporters. We played very well and deserved more ‌goals. But this is the Champions League. We’re happy, and there’s still the second ​leg to come,” he said.

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#Champions #League #PSG #rues #missed #chances #beating #Liverpool #quarterfinals

Paris ​Saint-Germain was left ruing missed chances that kept Liverpool in contention in its Champions League quarterfinal ‌despite a convincing 2-0 home win in Wednesday’s first leg, with the visiting side ​admitting it had been in survival mode for long spells.

The defending champion prevailed ⁠thanks to goals by Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but Ousmane Dembele and Nuno Mendes missed golden chances in the second half that would have virtually sent it into the semifinals.

“We had clear chances to ‌score more goals. We kept Liverpool alive, but we’re happy with the performance. We want to stick to the same approach — it’s what we’ve been doing ‌for a long time,” fullback Achraf Hakimi said.

Teammate Warren Zaire Emery, who with Joao Neves ‌and ⁠Vitinha bossed the midfield, also regretted the missed opportunities.

“We could have scored more ⁠goals, which is a shame. 2-0 is already good, but nothing is done. We’ll go there with the same intentions, looking to win the match,” he said.

“We’ll need to stay focused and do what we did here. We ​always try to prepare games the same ‌way, playing as high up the pitch as possible. We had plenty of chances and should have put them away.”

Coach Luis Enrique echoed the sentiment.

“It’s a shame, clearly. We put in a performance worthy of our supporters. We played very well and deserved more ‌goals. But this is the Champions League. We’re happy, and there’s still the second ​leg to come,” he said.

Published on Apr 09, 2026

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Deadspin | Nikola Jokic, Nuggets overtake Grizzlies for 10th straight win <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28687688.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28687688.jpg" alt="NBA: Memphis Grizzlies at Denver Nuggets" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 8, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) dribbles the ball up court as Memphis Grizzlies forward Toby Okani (5) guards in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Jamal Murray scored 26 points, Nikola Jokic finished with 14 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists for his 34th triple-double of the season, and the host Denver Nuggets won their 10th in a row, 136-119, over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Denver (52-28) has its first double-digit winning streak since the 2012-13 season and moved 1 1/2 games ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The Nuggets finish their regular season with two games against the top seeds in the Western Conference — home against Oklahoma City on Friday and Sunday night at San Antonio.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Los Angeles (50-29) holds the tiebreaker over Denver.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Cameron Johnson had 18 points and Jonas Valanciunas scored 14 in his 1,000th career game, Christian Braun also had 14 points, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown contributed 13 each and Julian Strawther added 10.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>Valanciunas, who was recognized for his milestone game, picked up four fouls in less than four minutes in the second quarter but came alive in the fourth when he scored 10 points.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>Cedric Coward finished with 27 points for Memphis (25-55). The Grizzlies have lost six in a row and 18 of their last 20.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Taylor Hendricks and Lucas Williamson scored 16 apiece, Walter Clayton Jr. and Toby Okani had 15 points each and Adama Bal added 12 points for Memphis.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>The Grizzlies, despite being without several top players, went on a 23-6 run in the second quarter to lead by eight. Denver clawed back to take a two-point lead late but Williamson was fouled on a 3-pointer and hit the free throw, then added a short hook shot to give Memphis a 72-68 halftime lead.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>The Grizzlies opened an eight-point lead early in the third but the Nuggets went on a 14-3 run to go ahead 84-81 midway through the period. Jokic got his 10th assist during the spurt to secure his 198th career triple-double.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Denver extended the lead to 107-94 heading to the fourth and went ahead 121-100 with 6:32 left in the fourth.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Nikola #Jokic #Nuggets #overtake #Grizzlies #10th #straight #win

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Deadspin | Ron Francis exiting as Kraken’s president of hockey operations <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28646728.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28646728.jpg" alt="NHL: Utah Mammoth at Seattle Kraken" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken defenseman Adam Larsson (6) shakes hands with general manager Ron Francis for his 1000th game presentation before the match against the Utah Mammoth at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Ron Francis, a key part of the Seattle Kraken organization since before the team’s first game, is exiting as the team’s hockey operations president effective the end of the season.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The Kraken announced Wednesday that Francis and the team “mutually agreed” to his exit.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>“Ron and I agreed that this is the right moment to make a thoughtful transition for both Ron and the organization, and move in a new direction,” Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said in a statement. “From a small office in Lower Queen Anne to the 32nd NHL franchise, Ron’s leadership and vision were instrumental in building this franchise from the ground up.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“Under his stewardship, we reached the playoffs in our second season, and he leaves behind a strong foundation of draft picks and promising prospects that will continue to shape the future of the team. We are grateful for his dedication and professionalism, and we wish Ron and his family the very best.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Francis added in a statement, “It has been an honor to help launch and lead the Seattle Kraken over the past seven years. I am proud of the culture we built, the people we brought together, and the milestones we achieved, including our historic first playoff run.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“I want to thank our entire ownership group, everyone throughout the organization, and our incredible fans for their unwavering support. This organization has a bright future, and I’m grateful to have been part of its beginning.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>Francis, 63, joined the Kraken as general manager in 2019, two years ahead of their first game. He led the club’s expansion draft that resulted in Seattle getting to the second round of the postseason in their second season.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>Last year, Francis moved from the general manager role to president of hockey operations, with Jason Botterill rising from assistant GM to general manager.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Botterill, 49, will now head the Kraken’s hockey operations.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>With five games remaining, Seattle (32-34-11, 75 points) is on the verge of missing the playoffs for the third year in a row. The team collapsed in the past month, going 3-12-2 since March 4.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Lane Lambert is in his first season as the Kraken’s head coach.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Francis played 23 seasons as a center in the NHL and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007. In 16 seasons for the Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes, eight for the Pittsburgh Penguins and one for the Toronto Maple Leafs, he produced 549 goals, 1,249 assists (second in NHL history) and 1,798 points (fifth).</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>He served in the Hurricanes’ front office from 2011-18.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Ron #Francis #exiting #Krakens #president #hockey #operations

#Bam #Adebayo #punched #Tyler #Herro #social #media #criticism #Las #Vegas">Bam Adebayo punched Tyler Herro over social media criticism in Las Vegas  CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 16: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat and Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat celebrate during the second half of the 2025 SoFi Play-In Tournament against the Chicago Bulls on April 16, 2025 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty Images  #Bam #Adebayo #punched #Tyler #Herro #social #media #criticism #Las #Vegas

Lamine Yamal thinks France should be afraid of Spain, with the European giants headed to a World Cup semifinal showdown on Tuesday.

“I believe if France has to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion,” the teenage sensation told broadcast reporters after Spain beat Belgium 2-1 on Friday to secure its first semifinal berth since 2010. “We were the ones who knocked them out before.”

Spain beat France in the 2024 European Championship semifinals and again in the Nations League last year. Yamal became the youngest player to score in the continental competition.

The powerhouses meet again at the home stadium of the Dallas Cowboys next week for a spot in the final.

“We don’t fear anyone,” said Yamal, who was named the man of the match against Belgium. “It’s clear that we are two great teams, world-class national teams, and for me, they are one of the best. We’ll see what happens.”

Spain advanced on a winning goal by substitute Mikel Merino in the 88th minute of the quarterfinals at SoFi Stadium. La Roja conceded its only goal of the entire World Cup late in the first half against Belgium, while France has piled up 16 goals in its six World Cup matches.

France has made the past two World Cup finals, winning it all in 2018. Spain has made only one World Cup final in its history, but the current team is unbeaten in 37 consecutive competitive matches since March 2023 — a stretch that also includes a loss on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final last year.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has been asked by the international media about this potential showdown with France throughout the tournament but particularly since the start of the knockout rounds two weeks ago. He has been uniformly complimentary of Les Bleus while echoing his own players’ confidence.

READ: Colombian football federation condemns death threats against midfielder Jaminton Campaz

“Let me be clear: We are not finished,” de la Fuente said. “We are pleased to be in the semifinals, but we want more. We are capable of winning this game, and not just now, but I would have said this a few weeks ago as well.”

Yamal, who turns 19 on Monday, has only one goal and no assists while putting 10 shots on target in his first World Cup, but his playmaking and activity down the right side of Spain’s attack have been noticeable in almost every match. He started the sequence that led to Spain’s first goal against Belgium in a two-man game with Pedro Porro, eventually leading to Fabián Ruiz’s rebound goal off Dani Olmo’s shot.

Yamal said his modest statistics don’t bother him, noting that he also scored only one goal (with four assists) while Spain won the European Championship two years ago.

Although Spain needed a late goal from Merino to win for the second straight match, Yamal believes his team is ready for the challenge of arguably the World Cup’s most dominant team so far. Yamal cited Spain’s acumen in ball possession – a stat it has repeatedly dominated during this World Cup – as a way to take France out of its preferred style of play.

“I think we were much better (than Belgium),” Yamal said. “It seems like we’re playing very beautiful football, but in reality, there isn’t a team that plays against us on equal footing. Everyone drops back, and that makes it more difficult. Nobody has gone toe-to-toe with us. But in the end, we secured the win.”

Published on Jul 11, 2026

#Lamine #Yamal #France #fear #Spain #ahead #World #Cup #semifinal #clash">Lamine Yamal says France should fear Spain ahead of World Cup semifinal clash  Lamine Yamal thinks France should be afraid of Spain, with the European giants headed to a World Cup semifinal showdown on Tuesday.“I believe if France has to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion,” the teenage sensation told broadcast reporters after Spain beat Belgium 2-1 on Friday to secure its first semifinal berth since 2010. “We were the ones who knocked them out before.”Spain beat France in the 2024 European Championship semifinals and again in the Nations League last year. Yamal became the youngest player to score in the continental competition.The powerhouses meet again at the home stadium of the Dallas Cowboys next week for a spot in the final.“We don’t fear anyone,” said Yamal, who was named the man of the match against Belgium. “It’s clear that we are two great teams, world-class national teams, and for me, they are one of the best. We’ll see what happens.”Spain advanced on a winning goal by substitute Mikel Merino in the 88th minute of the quarterfinals at SoFi Stadium. La Roja conceded its only goal of the entire World Cup late in the first half against Belgium, while France has piled up 16 goals in its six World Cup matches.France has made the past two World Cup finals, winning it all in 2018. Spain has made only one World Cup final in its history, but the current team is unbeaten in 37 consecutive competitive matches since March 2023 — a stretch that also includes a loss on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final last year.Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has been asked by the international media about this potential showdown with France throughout the tournament but particularly since the start of the knockout rounds two weeks ago. He has been uniformly complimentary of Les Bleus while echoing his own players’ confidence.READ: Colombian football federation condemns death threats against midfielder Jaminton Campaz“Let me be clear: We are not finished,” de la Fuente said. “We are pleased to be in the semifinals, but we want more. We are capable of winning this game, and not just now, but I would have said this a few weeks ago as well.”Yamal, who turns 19 on Monday, has only one goal and no assists while putting 10 shots on target in his first World Cup, but his playmaking and activity down the right side of Spain’s attack have been noticeable in almost every match. He started the sequence that led to Spain’s first goal against Belgium in a two-man game with Pedro Porro, eventually leading to Fabián Ruiz’s rebound goal off Dani Olmo’s shot.Yamal said his modest statistics don’t bother him, noting that he also scored only one goal (with four assists) while Spain won the European Championship two years ago.Although Spain needed a late goal from Merino to win for the second straight match, Yamal believes his team is ready for the challenge of arguably the World Cup’s most dominant team so far. Yamal cited Spain’s acumen in ball possession – a stat it has repeatedly dominated during this World Cup – as a way to take France out of its preferred style of play.“I think we were much better (than Belgium),” Yamal said. “It seems like we’re playing very beautiful football, but in reality, there isn’t a team that plays against us on equal footing. Everyone drops back, and that makes it more difficult. Nobody has gone toe-to-toe with us. But in the end, we secured the win.”Published on Jul 11, 2026  #Lamine #Yamal #France #fear #Spain #ahead #World #Cup #semifinal #clash

Colombian football federation condemns death threats against midfielder Jaminton Campaz

“Let me be clear: We are not finished,” de la Fuente said. “We are pleased to be in the semifinals, but we want more. We are capable of winning this game, and not just now, but I would have said this a few weeks ago as well.”

Yamal, who turns 19 on Monday, has only one goal and no assists while putting 10 shots on target in his first World Cup, but his playmaking and activity down the right side of Spain’s attack have been noticeable in almost every match. He started the sequence that led to Spain’s first goal against Belgium in a two-man game with Pedro Porro, eventually leading to Fabián Ruiz’s rebound goal off Dani Olmo’s shot.

Yamal said his modest statistics don’t bother him, noting that he also scored only one goal (with four assists) while Spain won the European Championship two years ago.

Although Spain needed a late goal from Merino to win for the second straight match, Yamal believes his team is ready for the challenge of arguably the World Cup’s most dominant team so far. Yamal cited Spain’s acumen in ball possession – a stat it has repeatedly dominated during this World Cup – as a way to take France out of its preferred style of play.

“I think we were much better (than Belgium),” Yamal said. “It seems like we’re playing very beautiful football, but in reality, there isn’t a team that plays against us on equal footing. Everyone drops back, and that makes it more difficult. Nobody has gone toe-to-toe with us. But in the end, we secured the win.”

Published on Jul 11, 2026

#Lamine #Yamal #France #fear #Spain #ahead #World #Cup #semifinal #clash">Lamine Yamal says France should fear Spain ahead of World Cup semifinal clash

Lamine Yamal thinks France should be afraid of Spain, with the European giants headed to a World Cup semifinal showdown on Tuesday.

“I believe if France has to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion,” the teenage sensation told broadcast reporters after Spain beat Belgium 2-1 on Friday to secure its first semifinal berth since 2010. “We were the ones who knocked them out before.”

Spain beat France in the 2024 European Championship semifinals and again in the Nations League last year. Yamal became the youngest player to score in the continental competition.

The powerhouses meet again at the home stadium of the Dallas Cowboys next week for a spot in the final.

“We don’t fear anyone,” said Yamal, who was named the man of the match against Belgium. “It’s clear that we are two great teams, world-class national teams, and for me, they are one of the best. We’ll see what happens.”

Spain advanced on a winning goal by substitute Mikel Merino in the 88th minute of the quarterfinals at SoFi Stadium. La Roja conceded its only goal of the entire World Cup late in the first half against Belgium, while France has piled up 16 goals in its six World Cup matches.

France has made the past two World Cup finals, winning it all in 2018. Spain has made only one World Cup final in its history, but the current team is unbeaten in 37 consecutive competitive matches since March 2023 — a stretch that also includes a loss on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final last year.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has been asked by the international media about this potential showdown with France throughout the tournament but particularly since the start of the knockout rounds two weeks ago. He has been uniformly complimentary of Les Bleus while echoing his own players’ confidence.

READ: Colombian football federation condemns death threats against midfielder Jaminton Campaz

“Let me be clear: We are not finished,” de la Fuente said. “We are pleased to be in the semifinals, but we want more. We are capable of winning this game, and not just now, but I would have said this a few weeks ago as well.”

Yamal, who turns 19 on Monday, has only one goal and no assists while putting 10 shots on target in his first World Cup, but his playmaking and activity down the right side of Spain’s attack have been noticeable in almost every match. He started the sequence that led to Spain’s first goal against Belgium in a two-man game with Pedro Porro, eventually leading to Fabián Ruiz’s rebound goal off Dani Olmo’s shot.

Yamal said his modest statistics don’t bother him, noting that he also scored only one goal (with four assists) while Spain won the European Championship two years ago.

Although Spain needed a late goal from Merino to win for the second straight match, Yamal believes his team is ready for the challenge of arguably the World Cup’s most dominant team so far. Yamal cited Spain’s acumen in ball possession – a stat it has repeatedly dominated during this World Cup – as a way to take France out of its preferred style of play.

“I think we were much better (than Belgium),” Yamal said. “It seems like we’re playing very beautiful football, but in reality, there isn’t a team that plays against us on equal footing. Everyone drops back, and that makes it more difficult. Nobody has gone toe-to-toe with us. But in the end, we secured the win.”

Published on Jul 11, 2026

#Lamine #Yamal #France #fear #Spain #ahead #World #Cup #semifinal #clash
Deadspin | New Portugal coach would welcome back Cristiano Ronaldo   July 6, 2026; Arlington, Texas, U.S.; Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo looks dejected after the match as Portugal are eliminated from the World Cup.  Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images    Portugal’s new 71-year-old coach said “age doesn’t matter” and there still is a place on the team for 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo.  Jorge Jesus signed a four-year deal on Friday to coach Portugal through the 2030 World Cup.  Jesus succeeded Spain’s Roberto Martinez, whose contract expired with Monday’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup round of 16.  Jesus spent the past year coaching Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, with the Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr.  “I’m 71, but I feel 50 because I’m healthy. I train every day — an hour or two. It’s going to be a tough challenge, but I’m convinced we’ll win,” Jesus said Friday at Portugal’s Football Federation headquarters in Lisbon.  “Age doesn’t matter. Look at Cris. Under me, he used to cover 8 kilometers per match, reaching speeds above 25 kilometers per hour.”   Ronaldo announced his retirement from World Cup play but did not close the door on making future appearances for the national team. He is Portugal’s all-time leader in caps (233) and goals (146) and in 2026 joined Argentina’s Lionel Messi as the only men to appear in six World Cups.  Ronaldo scored three goals in the 2026 World Cup but was the subject of criticism from disappointed fans.  “I haven’t spoken to Cris yet. He will never be a problem for the national team or for me,” said Jesus. “As for the controversy, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.  “When the time comes to make a decision, I will speak with Cris and with everyone else individually. Cris is a symbol of Portugal. He will go down in history. It has been a great pleasure working with him. He is incredibly easy to work with.  “I need to speak with him to find out what he wants to do. He has always told me that he wants to finish his career at Al Nassr. If he is in a position to be called up, I will do so.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Portugal #coach #Cristiano #Ronaldo July 6, 2026; Arlington, Texas, U.S.; Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo looks dejected after the match as Portugal are eliminated from the World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Portugal’s new 71-year-old coach said “age doesn’t matter” and there still is a place on the team for 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo.

Jorge Jesus signed a four-year deal on Friday to coach Portugal through the 2030 World Cup.

Jesus succeeded Spain’s Roberto Martinez, whose contract expired with Monday’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup round of 16.

Jesus spent the past year coaching Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, with the Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr.

“I’m 71, but I feel 50 because I’m healthy. I train every day — an hour or two. It’s going to be a tough challenge, but I’m convinced we’ll win,” Jesus said Friday at Portugal’s Football Federation headquarters in Lisbon.


“Age doesn’t matter. Look at Cris. Under me, he used to cover 8 kilometers per match, reaching speeds above 25 kilometers per hour.”

Ronaldo announced his retirement from World Cup play but did not close the door on making future appearances for the national team. He is Portugal’s all-time leader in caps (233) and goals (146) and in 2026 joined Argentina’s Lionel Messi as the only men to appear in six World Cups.

Ronaldo scored three goals in the 2026 World Cup but was the subject of criticism from disappointed fans.

“I haven’t spoken to Cris yet. He will never be a problem for the national team or for me,” said Jesus. “As for the controversy, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

“When the time comes to make a decision, I will speak with Cris and with everyone else individually. Cris is a symbol of Portugal. He will go down in history. It has been a great pleasure working with him. He is incredibly easy to work with.

“I need to speak with him to find out what he wants to do. He has always told me that he wants to finish his career at Al Nassr. If he is in a position to be called up, I will do so.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Portugal #coach #Cristiano #Ronaldo">Deadspin | New Portugal coach would welcome back Cristiano Ronaldo   July 6, 2026; Arlington, Texas, U.S.; Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo looks dejected after the match as Portugal are eliminated from the World Cup.  Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images    Portugal’s new 71-year-old coach said “age doesn’t matter” and there still is a place on the team for 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo.  Jorge Jesus signed a four-year deal on Friday to coach Portugal through the 2030 World Cup.  Jesus succeeded Spain’s Roberto Martinez, whose contract expired with Monday’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup round of 16.  Jesus spent the past year coaching Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, with the Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr.  “I’m 71, but I feel 50 because I’m healthy. I train every day — an hour or two. It’s going to be a tough challenge, but I’m convinced we’ll win,” Jesus said Friday at Portugal’s Football Federation headquarters in Lisbon.  “Age doesn’t matter. Look at Cris. Under me, he used to cover 8 kilometers per match, reaching speeds above 25 kilometers per hour.”   Ronaldo announced his retirement from World Cup play but did not close the door on making future appearances for the national team. He is Portugal’s all-time leader in caps (233) and goals (146) and in 2026 joined Argentina’s Lionel Messi as the only men to appear in six World Cups.  Ronaldo scored three goals in the 2026 World Cup but was the subject of criticism from disappointed fans.  “I haven’t spoken to Cris yet. He will never be a problem for the national team or for me,” said Jesus. “As for the controversy, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.  “When the time comes to make a decision, I will speak with Cris and with everyone else individually. Cris is a symbol of Portugal. He will go down in history. It has been a great pleasure working with him. He is incredibly easy to work with.  “I need to speak with him to find out what he wants to do. He has always told me that he wants to finish his career at Al Nassr. If he is in a position to be called up, I will do so.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Portugal #coach #Cristiano #Ronaldo

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