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Deadspin | Pirates combine for 3-hit shutout in win over Nationals Apr 15, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mason Montgomery (46) delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Carmen Mlodzinski pitched six shutout innings and led the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 2-0 victory over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night. Marcell Ozuna and Nick Gonzales each had RBI singles in the first inning to give Pittsburgh’s pitchers all the run support they would need. Mlodzinski (1-0) struck out five, walked two, and gave up only two hits during his outing, which lasted 81 pitches. He entered the game following a scoreless first inning by Mason Montgomery as the Pirates’ opener. Montgomery, Mlodzinski, Gregory Soto, and Dennis Santana combined for a three-hit shutout. Santana hit CJ Abrams with a pitch with one out in the ninth. However, Nasim Nunez and Drew Millas each flew out, as Santana picked up his second save. The Pirates won for the 10th time in their past 14 games and recorded their second shutout of the season in a span of six days. Meanwhile, the Nationals picked up their second loss in three games and their first shutout loss this season. Ozuna and Gonzales’s hits delivered the only runs allowed by Nationals starter Jake Irvin (1-2), who gave up four hits, walked three, and struck out five. Ozuna continued to show potential signs of breaking out of an early-season slump, as he recorded a hit in his third consecutive game. He has four hits in his past 12 at-bats, after going 2-for-39 over his first 10 games. Pittsburgh’s first inning rally started with two outs after Bryan Reynolds drew the first of three walks, and Ryan O’Hearn singled for the first of his team-high three hits. Reynolds extended his on-base streak to 14 consecutive games. The Nationals left seven runners on base and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position. Curtis Mead had a one-out double in the first inning off Montgomery. Nevertheless, Daylen Lile grounded out, and Brady House struck out to end the frame. CJ Abrams continued his strong start to the season with a two-out double in the sixth. But Mlodzinski struck out Joey Wiemer to end the inning. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pirates #combine #3hit #shutout #win #Nationals

Deadspin | Pirates combine for 3-hit shutout in win over Nationals
Deadspin | Pirates combine for 3-hit shutout in win over Nationals Apr 15, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mason Montgomery (46) delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Carmen Mlodzinski pitched six shutout innings and led the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 2-0 victory over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night. Marcell Ozuna and Nick Gonzales each had RBI singles in the first inning to give Pittsburgh’s pitchers all the run support they would need. Mlodzinski (1-0) struck out five, walked two, and gave up only two hits during his outing, which lasted 81 pitches. He entered the game following a scoreless first inning by Mason Montgomery as the Pirates’ opener. Montgomery, Mlodzinski, Gregory Soto, and Dennis Santana combined for a three-hit shutout. Santana hit CJ Abrams with a pitch with one out in the ninth. However, Nasim Nunez and Drew Millas each flew out, as Santana picked up his second save. The Pirates won for the 10th time in their past 14 games and recorded their second shutout of the season in a span of six days. Meanwhile, the Nationals picked up their second loss in three games and their first shutout loss this season. Ozuna and Gonzales’s hits delivered the only runs allowed by Nationals starter Jake Irvin (1-2), who gave up four hits, walked three, and struck out five. Ozuna continued to show potential signs of breaking out of an early-season slump, as he recorded a hit in his third consecutive game. He has four hits in his past 12 at-bats, after going 2-for-39 over his first 10 games. Pittsburgh’s first inning rally started with two outs after Bryan Reynolds drew the first of three walks, and Ryan O’Hearn singled for the first of his team-high three hits. Reynolds extended his on-base streak to 14 consecutive games. The Nationals left seven runners on base and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position. Curtis Mead had a one-out double in the first inning off Montgomery. Nevertheless, Daylen Lile grounded out, and Brady House struck out to end the frame. CJ Abrams continued his strong start to the season with a two-out double in the sixth. But Mlodzinski struck out Joey Wiemer to end the inning. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pirates #combine #3hit #shutout #win #NationalsApr 15, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mason Montgomery (46) delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Carmen Mlodzinski pitched six shutout innings and led the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 2-0 victory over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night.

Marcell Ozuna and Nick Gonzales each had RBI singles in the first inning to give Pittsburgh’s pitchers all the run support they would need. Mlodzinski (1-0) struck out five, walked two, and gave up only two hits during his outing, which lasted 81 pitches. He entered the game following a scoreless first inning by Mason Montgomery as the Pirates’ opener.

Montgomery, Mlodzinski, Gregory Soto, and Dennis Santana combined for a three-hit shutout. Santana hit CJ Abrams with a pitch with one out in the ninth. However, Nasim Nunez and Drew Millas each flew out, as Santana picked up his second save.

The Pirates won for the 10th time in their past 14 games and recorded their second shutout of the season in a span of six days. Meanwhile, the Nationals picked up their second loss in three games and their first shutout loss this season.

Ozuna and Gonzales’s hits delivered the only runs allowed by Nationals starter Jake Irvin (1-2), who gave up four hits, walked three, and struck out five.


Ozuna continued to show potential signs of breaking out of an early-season slump, as he recorded a hit in his third consecutive game. He has four hits in his past 12 at-bats, after going 2-for-39 over his first 10 games.

Pittsburgh’s first inning rally started with two outs after Bryan Reynolds drew the first of three walks, and Ryan O’Hearn singled for the first of his team-high three hits. Reynolds extended his on-base streak to 14 consecutive games.

The Nationals left seven runners on base and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

Curtis Mead had a one-out double in the first inning off Montgomery. Nevertheless, Daylen Lile grounded out, and Brady House struck out to end the frame.

CJ Abrams continued his strong start to the season with a two-out double in the sixth. But Mlodzinski struck out Joey Wiemer to end the inning.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pirates #combine #3hit #shutout #win #Nationals

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Apr 15, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mason Montgomery (46) delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Carmen Mlodzinski pitched six shutout innings and led the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 2-0 victory over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night.

Marcell Ozuna and Nick Gonzales each had RBI singles in the first inning to give Pittsburgh’s pitchers all the run support they would need. Mlodzinski (1-0) struck out five, walked two, and gave up only two hits during his outing, which lasted 81 pitches. He entered the game following a scoreless first inning by Mason Montgomery as the Pirates’ opener.

Montgomery, Mlodzinski, Gregory Soto, and Dennis Santana combined for a three-hit shutout. Santana hit CJ Abrams with a pitch with one out in the ninth. However, Nasim Nunez and Drew Millas each flew out, as Santana picked up his second save.

The Pirates won for the 10th time in their past 14 games and recorded their second shutout of the season in a span of six days. Meanwhile, the Nationals picked up their second loss in three games and their first shutout loss this season.

Ozuna and Gonzales’s hits delivered the only runs allowed by Nationals starter Jake Irvin (1-2), who gave up four hits, walked three, and struck out five.

Ozuna continued to show potential signs of breaking out of an early-season slump, as he recorded a hit in his third consecutive game. He has four hits in his past 12 at-bats, after going 2-for-39 over his first 10 games.

Pittsburgh’s first inning rally started with two outs after Bryan Reynolds drew the first of three walks, and Ryan O’Hearn singled for the first of his team-high three hits. Reynolds extended his on-base streak to 14 consecutive games.

The Nationals left seven runners on base and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

Curtis Mead had a one-out double in the first inning off Montgomery. Nevertheless, Daylen Lile grounded out, and Brady House struck out to end the frame.

CJ Abrams continued his strong start to the season with a two-out double in the sixth. But Mlodzinski struck out Joey Wiemer to end the inning.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Pirates #combine #3hit #shutout #win #Nationals

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Vaishali overcomes slow start to win Women’s Candidates 2026; Viswanathan Anand hails her composure <div id="content-body-70866490" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The build-up to the women’s section of the FIDE Candidates 2026 was dominated by Koneru Humpy’s shock withdrawal a week before the tournament, citing personal safety concerns amid the conflict in the Middle East.</p><p>Attention then shifted to Divya Deshmukh. One of the youngest participants in the field, she had qualified by winning the Women’s World Cup 2025 and arrived as one of the favourites. Her recent form added to the expectations, having finished third at the Prague Chess Festival in March 2026 to break into the women’s top 10 for the first time in her career.</p><p>Much of the Indian focus revolved around these two Grandmasters. Yet, as the Candidates drew to a close, neither of them were in the scheme of things, with Divya falling out of title contention after a poor second half.</p><p>Away from the spotlight, R. Vaishali entered her second Candidates tournament as the lowest-rated player in the field, with a rating of 2470 and a world ranking of 19. She had qualified by winning the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss, but few had placed her among the leading contenders.</p><p>What followed was a tale of two halves for the Indian Grandmaster, who would go on to script history by winning the Candidates, becoming the first Indian to claim the women’s title, and earning the right to challenge Ju Wenjun for the World Championship crown.</p><p><b>RELATED | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/chess/vaishali-wins-fide-womens-candidates-full-list-of-winners-over-the-years-champions/article70866308.ece" target="_blank">Full list of FIDE Women’s Candidates winners</a></b></p><p>“Fantastic result. She pulled it off in the end, after a slightly bumpy ride in the final three rounds. But she showed the most stability, and Vaishali hung in there,” said five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand on ChessBase India’s live stream.</p><p>She made a slow start, drawing her first four games before suffering her first defeat to Zhu Jiner. At that stage, both Divya and Vaishali were on two points and placed in the bottom half of the standings, while Anna Muzychuk and Zhu were setting the pace.</p><p>Vaishali gained momentum with a win over Tan Zhongyi in Round 7, a result that lifted her to second in the standings behind Muzychuk. But, the 24-year-old wasn’t entirely happy with the result.</p><p>“It was a horrible game. I don’t deserve this point at all. She just blundered towards the end. It was a bad game from the start, everything went wrong from the beginning,” said Vaishali after her win over Tan.</p><p>That game had seemed headed for a draw until Tan began advancing her pawns on the flank, leaving her king exposed. Vaishali capitalised, coordinating her rooks and king to force resignation.</p><p>It marked her second successive win, following a victory over Kateryna Lagno in Round 6. She then went on to beat compatriot Divya in Round 9, and Aleksandra Goryachkina in Round 11, building steam towards the finish.</p><p>Zhu dealt her another defeat, in Round 12. But, a draw against Tan in the penultimate round set up a final-day decider.</p><p>The Indian Grandmaster, who had begun the tournament quietly, held her nerve in Round 14, defeating Kateryna Lagno to seal a memorable triumph.</p><p>“Good opening preparation caught Lagno off guard in Round 14. It was a great start and a strong fight, and eventually she got the job done. With all the final-day pressure, it would have been really hard, so it’s a big relief in the end,” Anand added.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 16, 2026</p></div> #Vaishali #overcomes #slow #start #win #Womens #Candidates #Viswanathan #Anand #hails #composure

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Australia booked its place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup after playing out a goalless draw against Paraguay on Thursday.

The result was enough for the Socceroos to finish second behind the United States in the group, with Australia’s superior goal difference ensuring it stayed ahead of Paraguay despite both teams ending level on points.

The draw also lifted Paraguay to four points, leaving it well placed to qualify for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams, although it must wait for the remaining group matches to confirm its progress.

Australia has now reached the World Cup knockout stage for the third time, having previously advanced in 2006 and 2022 before exiting in the Round of 16 on both occasions. The Socceroos will face the runner-up from Group G in the Round of 32 in Arlington, Texas, on July 3.

Paraguay, meanwhile, remains in contention to reach the knockout rounds for the fifth time in its history.

Player Ratings

Paraguay

Gill (8.2), Velázquez (7.1), Gómez (7.1), Alderete (7.3), Cáceres (6.7), Maidana (6.4), Gómez (7.3), Cubas (7.8), Galarza (8.1), Ávalos (6.3), Enciso (5.6) | Substitutes: Mauricio (6.7), Arce (6.0)

Australia

Beach (7.8), Souttar (7.3), Circati (7.6), Herrington (7.2), O’Neill (7.3), Irvine (6.7), Bos (7.9), Metcalfe (6.8), Volpato (6.2), Irankunda (6.4), Behich (6.8) | Substitutes: Hrustic (6.5), Okon-Engstler (6.6), Yengi (6.4)

Published on Jun 26, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Australia #qualifies #knockouts #Paraguay #stalemate #Complete #player #ratings">FIFA World Cup 2026: Australia qualifies for knockouts after Paraguay stalemate – Complete player ratings Australia booked its place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup after playing out a goalless draw against Paraguay on Thursday.The result was enough for the Socceroos to finish second behind the United States in the group, with Australia’s superior goal difference ensuring it stayed ahead of Paraguay despite both teams ending level on points.The draw also lifted Paraguay to four points, leaving it well placed to qualify for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams, although it must wait for the remaining group matches to confirm its progress.Australia has now reached the World Cup knockout stage for the third time, having previously advanced in 2006 and 2022 before exiting in the Round of 16 on both occasions. The Socceroos will face the runner-up from Group G in the Round of 32 in Arlington, Texas, on July 3.Paraguay, meanwhile, remains in contention to reach the knockout rounds for the fifth time in its history. Player Ratings Paraguay Gill (8.2), Velázquez (7.1), Gómez (7.1), Alderete (7.3), Cáceres (6.7), Maidana (6.4), Gómez (7.3), Cubas (7.8), Galarza (8.1), Ávalos (6.3), Enciso (5.6) | Substitutes: Mauricio (6.7), Arce (6.0) Australia Beach (7.8), Souttar (7.3), Circati (7.6), Herrington (7.2), O’Neill (7.3), Irvine (6.7), Bos (7.9), Metcalfe (6.8), Volpato (6.2), Irankunda (6.4), Behich (6.8) | Substitutes: Hrustic (6.5), Okon-Engstler (6.6), Yengi (6.4) Published on Jun 26, 2026 #FIFA #World #Cup #Australia #qualifies #knockouts #Paraguay #stalemate #Complete #player #ratings

Earlier this week, Argentina’s Lionel Messi added the new title of World Cup Goals King to his CV.

By the end of the tournament, it could be Kylian Mbappe holding that honor. Down the line, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior are young enough to get in the mix. And if everything goes right, the teenage Lamine Yamal has the time and talent to obliterate them all.

This is an amazing era for elite international goal-scorers. But maybe even more exciting, the convergence of those talents could be symbolic of a World Cup that is ushering in a new era of international competition, one that comes closer to the increasingly attack-oriented model that defines the modern club game.

Under the influence of rapidly improving data, modern soccer at the highest levels has become predicated on pressure and transition.

For sure, it’s not the aesthetic preference of every soccer critic.

Listen closely enough, and you’ll hear the cries of someone in Brazil whining that Carlo Ancelotti’s Selecao rejected the Jogo Bonito in favor of a modern devotion to backpressing that proved critical in their emphatic 3-0 win over Scotland on Wednesday night.

But for the average neutral, it’s hard to deny how much more compelling the club game has become as a result of data that shows the benefits of a higher octane approach.

You can see this in the UEFA Champions League, where goals per game have risen from 2.65 in 2015-16 to 3.45 in 2025-26.

Or you can see it in which teams are and aren’t succeeding at the international level.

Arguably, no side has fallen further than Italy, a nation whose footballing identity is most irrationally opposed to the ongoing tactical revolution.

Similarly, teams like Ecuador and Paraguay, who rode cynical tactics to success in South American qualifying, have so far been exposed by teams with more time to build attacking chemistry.

Yes, some teams have still succeeded out of a low block. But the Ghanas and Cape Verdes of the world have only done so when they could muster at least some threat of a vertical counterattack.

And now, with many of the same managers who orchestrated that rise in attacking play now coaching at this World Cup, goals are up here as well. If the rate of roughly 3.0 goals per game continues, it would be the highest scoring edition since 17-year-old Pele and Brazil dazzled their way to their first championship in Sweden in 1958.

The greatest attacking players are also staying great longer.

At 41, Ronaldo may come with baggage, but he’s still the best finisher on his Portugal team. At 32, Harry Kane’s career is only middle-aged when it would’ve been considered in its twilight era a generation ago.

And the engrossing all-time scoring chase is only possible because Messi is still playing at age 39, and arguably better at a World Cup than he ever has before.

There’s still a lot of time for this World Cup to go sideways. The knockout stages have a way of bringing out the worst conservative instincts in coaches. Oppressive summer weather could become more of a factor as June turns to July, and as more of the kickoffs fall before sunset to appease European TV audiences.

And there’s always the danger for off-the-field controversies to grow louder once the competitive field shrinks.

But on the evidence so far, this tournament has shown that the future of the game on the field is arguably the brightest it’s ever been. And whether it’s Messi or Mbappe who finishes on top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart this summer, you get the sense neither one will stay there for all that long.

#Lionel #Messi #Kylian #Mbappe #Headline #Era #World #Cup #Scoring #Deadspin.com">Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe Headline a New Era of World Cup Scoring | Deadspin.com Earlier this week, Argentina’s Lionel Messi added the new title of World Cup Goals King to his CV.By the end of the tournament, it could be Kylian Mbappe holding that honor. Down the line, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior are young enough to get in the mix. And if everything goes right, the teenage Lamine Yamal has the time and talent to obliterate them all.This is an amazing era for elite international goal-scorers. But maybe even more exciting, the convergence of those talents could be symbolic of a World Cup that is ushering in a new era of international competition, one that comes closer to the increasingly attack-oriented model that defines the modern club game.Under the influence of rapidly improving data, modern soccer at the highest levels has become predicated on pressure and transition.For sure, it’s not the aesthetic preference of every soccer critic.Listen closely enough, and you’ll hear the cries of someone in Brazil whining that Carlo Ancelotti’s Selecao rejected the Jogo Bonito in favor of a modern devotion to backpressing that proved critical in their emphatic 3-0 win over Scotland on Wednesday night.But for the average neutral, it’s hard to deny how much more compelling the club game has become as a result of data that shows the benefits of a higher octane approach.You can see this in the UEFA Champions League, where goals per game have risen from 2.65 in 2015-16 to 3.45 in 2025-26.Or you can see it in which teams are and aren’t succeeding at the international level.Arguably, no side has fallen further than Italy, a nation whose footballing identity is most irrationally opposed to the ongoing tactical revolution.Similarly, teams like Ecuador and Paraguay, who rode cynical tactics to success in South American qualifying, have so far been exposed by teams with more time to build attacking chemistry.Yes, some teams have still succeeded out of a low block. But the Ghanas and Cape Verdes of the world have only done so when they could muster at least some threat of a vertical counterattack.And now, with many of the same managers who orchestrated that rise in attacking play now coaching at this World Cup, goals are up here as well. If the rate of roughly 3.0 goals per game continues, it would be the highest scoring edition since 17-year-old Pele and Brazil dazzled their way to their first championship in Sweden in 1958.The greatest attacking players are also staying great longer.At 41, Ronaldo may come with baggage, but he’s still the best finisher on his Portugal team. At 32, Harry Kane’s career is only middle-aged when it would’ve been considered in its twilight era a generation ago.And the engrossing all-time scoring chase is only possible because Messi is still playing at age 39, and arguably better at a World Cup than he ever has before.There’s still a lot of time for this World Cup to go sideways. The knockout stages have a way of bringing out the worst conservative instincts in coaches. Oppressive summer weather could become more of a factor as June turns to July, and as more of the kickoffs fall before sunset to appease European TV audiences.And there’s always the danger for off-the-field controversies to grow louder once the competitive field shrinks.But on the evidence so far, this tournament has shown that the future of the game on the field is arguably the brightest it’s ever been. And whether it’s Messi or Mbappe who finishes on top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart this summer, you get the sense neither one will stay there for all that long. #Lionel #Messi #Kylian #Mbappe #Headline #Era #World #Cup #Scoring #Deadspin.com

symbolic of a World Cup that is ushering in a new era of international competition, one that comes closer to the increasingly attack-oriented model that defines the modern club game.

Under the influence of rapidly improving data, modern soccer at the highest levels has become predicated on pressure and transition.

For sure, it’s not the aesthetic preference of every soccer critic.

Listen closely enough, and you’ll hear the cries of someone in Brazil whining that Carlo Ancelotti’s Selecao rejected the Jogo Bonito in favor of a modern devotion to backpressing that proved critical in their emphatic 3-0 win over Scotland on Wednesday night.

But for the average neutral, it’s hard to deny how much more compelling the club game has become as a result of data that shows the benefits of a higher octane approach.

You can see this in the UEFA Champions League, where goals per game have risen from 2.65 in 2015-16 to 3.45 in 2025-26.

Or you can see it in which teams are and aren’t succeeding at the international level.

Arguably, no side has fallen further than Italy, a nation whose footballing identity is most irrationally opposed to the ongoing tactical revolution.

Similarly, teams like Ecuador and Paraguay, who rode cynical tactics to success in South American qualifying, have so far been exposed by teams with more time to build attacking chemistry.

Yes, some teams have still succeeded out of a low block. But the Ghanas and Cape Verdes of the world have only done so when they could muster at least some threat of a vertical counterattack.

And now, with many of the same managers who orchestrated that rise in attacking play now coaching at this World Cup, goals are up here as well. If the rate of roughly 3.0 goals per game continues, it would be the highest scoring edition since 17-year-old Pele and Brazil dazzled their way to their first championship in Sweden in 1958.

The greatest attacking players are also staying great longer.

At 41, Ronaldo may come with baggage, but he’s still the best finisher on his Portugal team. At 32, Harry Kane’s career is only middle-aged when it would’ve been considered in its twilight era a generation ago.

And the engrossing all-time scoring chase is only possible because Messi is still playing at age 39, and arguably better at a World Cup than he ever has before.

There’s still a lot of time for this World Cup to go sideways. The knockout stages have a way of bringing out the worst conservative instincts in coaches. Oppressive summer weather could become more of a factor as June turns to July, and as more of the kickoffs fall before sunset to appease European TV audiences.

And there’s always the danger for off-the-field controversies to grow louder once the competitive field shrinks.

But on the evidence so far, this tournament has shown that the future of the game on the field is arguably the brightest it’s ever been. And whether it’s Messi or Mbappe who finishes on top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart this summer, you get the sense neither one will stay there for all that long.

#Lionel #Messi #Kylian #Mbappe #Headline #Era #World #Cup #Scoring #Deadspin.com">Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe Headline a New Era of World Cup Scoring | Deadspin.com

Earlier this week, Argentina’s Lionel Messi added the new title of World Cup Goals King to his CV.

By the end of the tournament, it could be Kylian Mbappe holding that honor. Down the line, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior are young enough to get in the mix. And if everything goes right, the teenage Lamine Yamal has the time and talent to obliterate them all.

This is an amazing era for elite international goal-scorers. But maybe even more exciting, the convergence of those talents could be symbolic of a World Cup that is ushering in a new era of international competition, one that comes closer to the increasingly attack-oriented model that defines the modern club game.

Under the influence of rapidly improving data, modern soccer at the highest levels has become predicated on pressure and transition.

For sure, it’s not the aesthetic preference of every soccer critic.

Listen closely enough, and you’ll hear the cries of someone in Brazil whining that Carlo Ancelotti’s Selecao rejected the Jogo Bonito in favor of a modern devotion to backpressing that proved critical in their emphatic 3-0 win over Scotland on Wednesday night.

But for the average neutral, it’s hard to deny how much more compelling the club game has become as a result of data that shows the benefits of a higher octane approach.

You can see this in the UEFA Champions League, where goals per game have risen from 2.65 in 2015-16 to 3.45 in 2025-26.

Or you can see it in which teams are and aren’t succeeding at the international level.

Arguably, no side has fallen further than Italy, a nation whose footballing identity is most irrationally opposed to the ongoing tactical revolution.

Similarly, teams like Ecuador and Paraguay, who rode cynical tactics to success in South American qualifying, have so far been exposed by teams with more time to build attacking chemistry.

Yes, some teams have still succeeded out of a low block. But the Ghanas and Cape Verdes of the world have only done so when they could muster at least some threat of a vertical counterattack.

And now, with many of the same managers who orchestrated that rise in attacking play now coaching at this World Cup, goals are up here as well. If the rate of roughly 3.0 goals per game continues, it would be the highest scoring edition since 17-year-old Pele and Brazil dazzled their way to their first championship in Sweden in 1958.

The greatest attacking players are also staying great longer.

At 41, Ronaldo may come with baggage, but he’s still the best finisher on his Portugal team. At 32, Harry Kane’s career is only middle-aged when it would’ve been considered in its twilight era a generation ago.

And the engrossing all-time scoring chase is only possible because Messi is still playing at age 39, and arguably better at a World Cup than he ever has before.

There’s still a lot of time for this World Cup to go sideways. The knockout stages have a way of bringing out the worst conservative instincts in coaches. Oppressive summer weather could become more of a factor as June turns to July, and as more of the kickoffs fall before sunset to appease European TV audiences.

And there’s always the danger for off-the-field controversies to grow louder once the competitive field shrinks.

But on the evidence so far, this tournament has shown that the future of the game on the field is arguably the brightest it’s ever been. And whether it’s Messi or Mbappe who finishes on top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart this summer, you get the sense neither one will stay there for all that long.

#Lionel #Messi #Kylian #Mbappe #Headline #Era #World #Cup #Scoring #Deadspin.com

The 2026 World Cup is now officially in its second week, and some teams are starting to play their second matches of group play.

Which means some teams are already clinching spots in the knockout round.

With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams for the 2026 edition, the knockout round begins with the Round of 32, instead of the familiar Round of 16. That means that, beyond the top two teams in each group advancing to the knockout portion of the tournament, the eight best third-place teams are also advancing. We are tracking the third-place standings here if you are looking to see what teams are still in the running despite sitting in third place.

As far as teams that have clinched, read on.

Mexico became the first team to book a spot in the Round of 32, thanks to Thursday night’s 1-0 win over South Korea. Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over South Africa, and when South Africa and Czechia played to a 1-1 draw earlier in the day, it opened the door for the winner of Thursday night’s match to win Group A.

After a scoreless first half, Luis Romo took advantage of a miscue from South Korea keeper Kim Seung-gyu, who collided with a teammate in the box and lost the ball, giving Romo a chance to give Mexico the lead.

Then the hero was Raúl Rangel, as Mexico’s keeper made a pair of brilliant saves in the closing stages to deny South Korea the equalizer:

El Tri are not only the winners of Group A and set to play a third-place team from Group C/E/F/H/I, but they will also stay in Mexico for the Round of 32, as that match will be held in Mexico City.

One host team became the first nation to book a spot in the Round of 32 on Thursday night, when Mexico’s win over South Korea secured Group A.

Friday, the United States joined them as the second team through to the Round of 32.

The 2-0 win over Australia guarantees that the United States will finish as one of the top two teams in Group D. And by the end of the night, the United States may be the winners of Group D, depending on how the late match between Paraguay and Türkiye finishes. If Türkiye lose or draw against Paraguay, then the United States will win Group D, and be locked into a match against a third-place team in the Round of 32.

The 2-0 win was also the USMNT’s first shutout since a 2-0 win in a friendly against Japan last September.

Update: With Paraguay winning on Friday night, the United States clinched Group D.

Germany’s 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast on Saturday clinched a spot in the knockout round as one of the top two teams out of Group E. Ivory Coast scored first, taking a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute on a Franck Kessié goal. They carried that lead into the second half before Deniz Undav evened it at 1 in the 68th minute. A draw looked likely before Undav managed another goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

They won Group E later in the evening when Curaçao managed a draw against Ecuador. It marked the first time Curaçao has earned a point in the World Cup. Goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves, which is the most by any goalkeeper in 90 minutes of a World Cup match since records began in 1966.

Lionel Messi made history on Monday against Austria, as his left-footed strike put the living legend atop the list of all-time goal scorers in World Cup history.

It also clinched a spot in the Round of 32 for Argentina.

With the 2-0 win – Messi added a second goal late in the contest to ice the match – Argentina is guaranteed to finish in one of the top two spots in Group J, and a visit to the knockout round awaits. Argentina could clinch the group later tonight, and a match against a third-place team, if Jordan loses or draws against Algeria in the other match in Group J today.

Update: With Jordan’s loss to Algeria, Algeria has clinched Group J.

It took a little longer than expected, due to a lengthy weather delay, but France punched their ticket to the Round of 32 with a convincing win 3-0 against Iraq in Philadelphia.

Kylian Mbappé’s first goal of the match, coming in the first half, was all France would need on this day. But following a long halftime break, Mbappé and company added two more in the second half, as the French star continued climbing the record books.

France is now guaranteed a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams out of Group I. But they cannot clinch the group until their final match of group play, when they take on Erling Haaland and Norway later this week.

Norway qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, and now they are through to the Round of 32 thanks to Monday’s 3-2 win over Senegal.

Erling Haaland’s first goal of the match gave Norway a 2-0 lead, but Senegal clawed a goal back, thanks to a lovely bit of skill from Ismaïla Sarr. But Haaland scored again, a right-footed deflection after a splendid reaction and turn, giving Norway a 3-1 lead in the second half.

Norway is guaranteed to be one of the top two teams out of Group I, but the job is not done. Friday’s heavyweight clash with France will determine the winner of the group. If there is a winner of that match, that team will claim Group I. If the match ends in a draw it will be decided by tiebreakers, where at the moment France has the advantage.

Colombia’s 1-0 win over DR Congo late Tuesday clinched a spot in the Round of 32. Colombia heads to the final day of group play in Group K guaranteed to finish as one of the top two teams in the group.

Colombia can still win the group and book a spot against a third-place team in the Round of 32, with a win or a draw against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal next Saturday.

Rubén Vargas found the back of the net almost immediately after halftime, giving Switzerland a 1-0 lead over Canada.

That put the Swiss on a path to winning Group B, and a goal from Johan Manzambi in the 57th minute gave Switzerland a two-goal lead, and eventually held up to clinch both the match, and Group B, for Switzerland.

The Swiss will now get to stay in Vancouver, as they will meet a third-place team from Group E, F, G, I or J in the same stadium on July 2.

Canada began play on Tuesday needing a win or a draw against Switzerland to win Group B, but goals from Rubén Vargas and Johan Manzambi early in the second half propelled Switzerland to a 2-1 victory. Promise David found the back of the net with a lovely first-touch goal with his right foot in the 76th minute, but Canada could not complete the comeback.

Even with the loss, Canada clinched the second spot in Group B thanks to the goal differential tiebreaker against Bosnia and Herzegovina, who beat Qatar. That means Canada finishes second in the group, and they will take on the second-place team from Group A, which will be determined later Wednesday night.

Brazil booked a spot in the Round of 32 with Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Brazil. A pair of first-half goals from Vini Jr. gave Brazil a 2-0 lead at the halftime break, and Matheus Cunha scored in the 60th minute to provide some insurance.

In addition, Neymar came off the bench to replace Cunha in the 76th minute, for his first action of this World Cup.

The win was also enough to clinch the top spot in Group C, as Brazil’s goal differential was enough to finish above Morocco. As such, Brazil will meet the second-place team from Group F – either the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden – in the Round of 32.

Morocco’s 4-2 win over Haiti was not enough to catch Brazil in Group C, but the side moves on to the Round of 32 as the second-place team in the group. They will face the winners of Group F in Monterrey on June 29.

In perhaps the biggest twist of Wednesday’s action South Africa clinched the second spot in Group A.

For the first time, South Africa is heading to the knockout round. Despite entering Wednesday’s matches sitting in fourth place in Group A, their 1-0 win over South Korea gave them a chance to advance as the second-place team in the group. Then, when Mexico beat Czechia, it locked up that second spot.

South Africa will face the second-place team from Group B in the Round of 32.

With a 2-0 win over Curaçao, Ivory Coast clinched the second spot in Group E. They will face the runner-up in Group I, which will likely come down to the massive tilt between Norway and France later this week.

Ecuador’s 2-1 win over Germany was enough for the South American side to become the first team to book a spot in the Round of 32 as a third-place team. The win moved Ecuador to the top of the standings among third-place teams, ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina on tiebreakers due to goal differential.

Even if the remaining third-place teams all win their matches, Ecuador will only drop to eighth among the third-place teams, enough to advance to the Round of 32.

#World #Cup #bracket #advanced #knockout">World Cup 2026 bracket: Who has advanced to the knockout round? The 2026 World Cup is now officially in its second week, and some teams are starting to play their second matches of group play.Which means some teams are already clinching spots in the knockout round.With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams for the 2026 edition, the knockout round begins with the Round of 32, instead of the familiar Round of 16. That means that, beyond the top two teams in each group advancing to the knockout portion of the tournament, the eight best third-place teams are also advancing. We are tracking the third-place standings here if you are looking to see what teams are still in the running despite sitting in third place.As far as teams that have clinched, read on.Mexico became the first team to book a spot in the Round of 32, thanks to Thursday night’s 1-0 win over South Korea. Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over South Africa, and when South Africa and Czechia played to a 1-1 draw earlier in the day, it opened the door for the winner of Thursday night’s match to win Group A.After a scoreless first half, Luis Romo took advantage of a miscue from South Korea keeper Kim Seung-gyu, who collided with a teammate in the box and lost the ball, giving Romo a chance to give Mexico the lead.Then the hero was Raúl Rangel, as Mexico’s keeper made a pair of brilliant saves in the closing stages to deny South Korea the equalizer:El Tri are not only the winners of Group A and set to play a third-place team from Group C/E/F/H/I, but they will also stay in Mexico for the Round of 32, as that match will be held in Mexico City.One host team became the first nation to book a spot in the Round of 32 on Thursday night, when Mexico’s win over South Korea secured Group A.Friday, the United States joined them as the second team through to the Round of 32.The 2-0 win over Australia guarantees that the United States will finish as one of the top two teams in Group D. And by the end of the night, the United States may be the winners of Group D, depending on how the late match between Paraguay and Türkiye finishes. If Türkiye lose or draw against Paraguay, then the United States will win Group D, and be locked into a match against a third-place team in the Round of 32.The 2-0 win was also the USMNT’s first shutout since a 2-0 win in a friendly against Japan last September.Update: With Paraguay winning on Friday night, the United States clinched Group D.Germany’s 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast on Saturday clinched a spot in the knockout round as one of the top two teams out of Group E. Ivory Coast scored first, taking a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute on a Franck Kessié goal. They carried that lead into the second half before Deniz Undav evened it at 1 in the 68th minute. A draw looked likely before Undav managed another goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time.They won Group E later in the evening when Curaçao managed a draw against Ecuador. It marked the first time Curaçao has earned a point in the World Cup. Goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves, which is the most by any goalkeeper in 90 minutes of a World Cup match since records began in 1966.Lionel Messi made history on Monday against Austria, as his left-footed strike put the living legend atop the list of all-time goal scorers in World Cup history.It also clinched a spot in the Round of 32 for Argentina.With the 2-0 win – Messi added a second goal late in the contest to ice the match – Argentina is guaranteed to finish in one of the top two spots in Group J, and a visit to the knockout round awaits. Argentina could clinch the group later tonight, and a match against a third-place team, if Jordan loses or draws against Algeria in the other match in Group J today.Update: With Jordan’s loss to Algeria, Algeria has clinched Group J.It took a little longer than expected, due to a lengthy weather delay, but France punched their ticket to the Round of 32 with a convincing win 3-0 against Iraq in Philadelphia.Kylian Mbappé’s first goal of the match, coming in the first half, was all France would need on this day. But following a long halftime break, Mbappé and company added two more in the second half, as the French star continued climbing the record books.France is now guaranteed a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams out of Group I. But they cannot clinch the group until their final match of group play, when they take on Erling Haaland and Norway later this week.Norway qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, and now they are through to the Round of 32 thanks to Monday’s 3-2 win over Senegal.Erling Haaland’s first goal of the match gave Norway a 2-0 lead, but Senegal clawed a goal back, thanks to a lovely bit of skill from Ismaïla Sarr. But Haaland scored again, a right-footed deflection after a splendid reaction and turn, giving Norway a 3-1 lead in the second half.Norway is guaranteed to be one of the top two teams out of Group I, but the job is not done. Friday’s heavyweight clash with France will determine the winner of the group. If there is a winner of that match, that team will claim Group I. If the match ends in a draw it will be decided by tiebreakers, where at the moment France has the advantage.Colombia’s 1-0 win over DR Congo late Tuesday clinched a spot in the Round of 32. Colombia heads to the final day of group play in Group K guaranteed to finish as one of the top two teams in the group.Colombia can still win the group and book a spot against a third-place team in the Round of 32, with a win or a draw against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal next Saturday.Rubén Vargas found the back of the net almost immediately after halftime, giving Switzerland a 1-0 lead over Canada.That put the Swiss on a path to winning Group B, and a goal from Johan Manzambi in the 57th minute gave Switzerland a two-goal lead, and eventually held up to clinch both the match, and Group B, for Switzerland.The Swiss will now get to stay in Vancouver, as they will meet a third-place team from Group E, F, G, I or J in the same stadium on July 2.Canada began play on Tuesday needing a win or a draw against Switzerland to win Group B, but goals from Rubén Vargas and Johan Manzambi early in the second half propelled Switzerland to a 2-1 victory. Promise David found the back of the net with a lovely first-touch goal with his right foot in the 76th minute, but Canada could not complete the comeback.Even with the loss, Canada clinched the second spot in Group B thanks to the goal differential tiebreaker against Bosnia and Herzegovina, who beat Qatar. That means Canada finishes second in the group, and they will take on the second-place team from Group A, which will be determined later Wednesday night.Brazil booked a spot in the Round of 32 with Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Brazil. A pair of first-half goals from Vini Jr. gave Brazil a 2-0 lead at the halftime break, and Matheus Cunha scored in the 60th minute to provide some insurance.In addition, Neymar came off the bench to replace Cunha in the 76th minute, for his first action of this World Cup.The win was also enough to clinch the top spot in Group C, as Brazil’s goal differential was enough to finish above Morocco. As such, Brazil will meet the second-place team from Group F – either the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden – in the Round of 32.Morocco’s 4-2 win over Haiti was not enough to catch Brazil in Group C, but the side moves on to the Round of 32 as the second-place team in the group. They will face the winners of Group F in Monterrey on June 29.In perhaps the biggest twist of Wednesday’s action South Africa clinched the second spot in Group A.For the first time, South Africa is heading to the knockout round. Despite entering Wednesday’s matches sitting in fourth place in Group A, their 1-0 win over South Korea gave them a chance to advance as the second-place team in the group. Then, when Mexico beat Czechia, it locked up that second spot.South Africa will face the second-place team from Group B in the Round of 32.With a 2-0 win over Curaçao, Ivory Coast clinched the second spot in Group E. They will face the runner-up in Group I, which will likely come down to the massive tilt between Norway and France later this week.Ecuador’s 2-1 win over Germany was enough for the South American side to become the first team to book a spot in the Round of 32 as a third-place team. The win moved Ecuador to the top of the standings among third-place teams, ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina on tiebreakers due to goal differential.Even if the remaining third-place teams all win their matches, Ecuador will only drop to eighth among the third-place teams, enough to advance to the Round of 32. #World #Cup #bracket #advanced #knockout

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