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Deadspin | Trail Blazers spoil Kevin Durant’s milestone in win over Rockets

Deadspin | Trail Blazers spoil Kevin Durant’s milestone in win over Rockets

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Jan 9, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoot a jump shot during the first half against Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Toumani Camara scored a career-high 25 points and the Portland Trail Blazers spoiled Kevin Durant’s milestone night with a 111-105 home victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night.

Durant recorded 30 points and 12 rebounds and swished a 3-pointer with 7:57 left in the third quarter to move into seventh place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

Durant passed legendary Wilt Chamberlain (31,419). His career point total sits at 31,435 after Houston’s second consecutive loss in Portland.

Shaedon Sharpe had 20 points and eight rebounds while Deni Avdija also scored 20 points for the Trail Blazers, who have won five straight games and seven of their past eight. Caleb Love added 18 points for Portland, which outscored the Rockets 34-15 in the fourth quarter to finish off the two-game sweep.

Amen Thompson recorded 24 points and nine rebounds and Reed Sheppard added 20 points off the bench for Houston. Jabari Smith Jr. added 13 points and eight rebounds.

The Rockets were just 6 of 28 from the field in the final quarter, including 1 of 17 from 3-point range.

The Trail Blazers edged Houston 103-102 on Wednesday.

The Rockets led 90-77 entering the final stanza Friday but Portland got back into the game with an 11-0 run to start the quarter.

Later in the quarter, Avdija scored seven straight points on a 3-pointer and four free throws as Portland took a 102-99 lead with 2:43 remaining.

A dunk by Sidy Cissoko gave Portland a 107-103 lead with 1:03 left. Camara made two free throws to make it a six-point advantage with 30.5 seconds remaining and the Trail Blazers finished off the win.

Houston shot 41.7% from the field and made 10 of 44 3-point attempts. The Rockets outrebounded Portland 56-43, similarly to Wednesday when they held a 57-38 edge on the boards.

The Trail Blazers connected on 41.6% of their attempts on Friday and were 16 of 44 from behind the arc. Cissoko added 13 points and Donovan Clingan collected 15 rebounds.

Durant’s 3-pointer to pass Chamberlain gave Houston a 67-65 edge and seemed to spark the Rockets.

The score was knotted at 72 a short time later when Durant sank a 3-pointer to start a 14-2 burst. Sheppard made two treys during the surge and Durant hit another to cap it and make it 86-74 with 2:22 remaining in the third quarter.

Houston led 29-28 after the first quarter despite Camara hitting all four 3-point attempts and scoring 16 points in the period. The Rockets led 56-55 at halftime.

–Field Level Media

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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 #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">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

Saturday at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will complete group play in Group J.

Argentina has already clinched Group J, and will advance to the Round of 32 where they will play tournament darlings Cabo Verde. While Jordan has already been eliminated, both Austria and Algeria are in contention for spots in the knockout round.

Here are the remaining scenarios in Group J ahead of the final day of matches in group play.

What are the Group J standings?

Here are the current standings in Group J, ahead of matches set for Saturday, June 27.

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Argentina20050+56
Austria1013303
Algeria10124-23
Jordan00225-30

What are the next Group J matches?

Here are the times for Saturday’s final matches. All times listed are Eastern.

Argentina 2, Austria 0
Algeria 2, Jordan 1

Algeria vs. Austria, 10:00 p.m.
Jordan vs. Argentina, 10:00 p.m.

What are the scenarios in Group J?

Here are the scenarios ahead of the final day of matches, set for June 27. These scenarios involve automatic qualification for the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group. Teams can still advance as a third-place team, and for more on those standings we have you covered here. In addition, teams that are “eliminated” are guaranteed to finish fourth in their group.

Argentina has already won Group J, and they will play the second-place team from Group H in the Round of 32

Austria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win or draw against Algeria.

Algeria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win against Austria.

Jordan has already been eliminated from the knockout rounds.

What about tiebreakers in Group J?

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

The only real tiebreaker to consider comes to us courtesy of the match between Algeria and Austria. As noted above, Austria clinches the second spot with a win or a draw, and that is due to the goal differential tiebreaker. If that match remains tied, both Austria and Algeria would finish with four points. But when you apply the goal differential, Austria would finish with a 0 goal differential, while Algeria would finish with a -2.

That would clinch second place in Group J for Austria.

#World #Cup #Argentina #clinched #spot #knockout #Group">World Cup 2026: How Argentina clinched a spot in the knockout round from Group J Saturday at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will complete group play in Group J.Argentina has already clinched Group J, and will advance to the Round of 32 where they will play tournament darlings Cabo Verde. While Jordan has already been eliminated, both Austria and Algeria are in contention for spots in the knockout round.Here are the remaining scenarios in Group J ahead of the final day of matches in group play.What are the Group J standings?Here are the current standings in Group J, ahead of matches set for Saturday, June 27.TeamWDLGFGAGDPointsArgentina20050+56Austria1013303Algeria10124-23Jordan00225-30What are the next Group J matches?Here are the times for Saturday’s final matches. All times listed are Eastern.Argentina 2, Austria 0Algeria 2, Jordan 1Algeria vs. Austria, 10:00 p.m.Jordan vs. Argentina, 10:00 p.m.What are the scenarios in Group J?Here are the scenarios ahead of the final day of matches, set for June 27. These scenarios involve automatic qualification for the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group. Teams can still advance as a third-place team, and for more on those standings we have you covered here. In addition, teams that are “eliminated” are guaranteed to finish fourth in their group.Argentina has already won Group J, and they will play the second-place team from Group H in the Round of 32Austria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win or draw against Algeria.Algeria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win against Austria.Jordan has already been eliminated from the knockout rounds.What about tiebreakers in Group J?Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.The only real tiebreaker to consider comes to us courtesy of the match between Algeria and Austria. As noted above, Austria clinches the second spot with a win or a draw, and that is due to the goal differential tiebreaker. If that match remains tied, both Austria and Algeria would finish with four points. But when you apply the goal differential, Austria would finish with a 0 goal differential, while Algeria would finish with a -2.That would clinch second place in Group J for Austria. #World #Cup #Argentina #clinched #spot #knockout #Group

2026 FIFA World Cup will complete group play in Group J.

Argentina has already clinched Group J, and will advance to the Round of 32 where they will play tournament darlings Cabo Verde. While Jordan has already been eliminated, both Austria and Algeria are in contention for spots in the knockout round.

Here are the remaining scenarios in Group J ahead of the final day of matches in group play.

What are the Group J standings?

Here are the current standings in Group J, ahead of matches set for Saturday, June 27.

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Argentina20050+56
Austria1013303
Algeria10124-23
Jordan00225-30

What are the next Group J matches?

Here are the times for Saturday’s final matches. All times listed are Eastern.

Argentina 2, Austria 0
Algeria 2, Jordan 1

Algeria vs. Austria, 10:00 p.m.
Jordan vs. Argentina, 10:00 p.m.

What are the scenarios in Group J?

Here are the scenarios ahead of the final day of matches, set for June 27. These scenarios involve automatic qualification for the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group. Teams can still advance as a third-place team, and for more on those standings we have you covered here. In addition, teams that are “eliminated” are guaranteed to finish fourth in their group.

Argentina has already won Group J, and they will play the second-place team from Group H in the Round of 32

Austria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win or draw against Algeria.

Algeria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win against Austria.

Jordan has already been eliminated from the knockout rounds.

What about tiebreakers in Group J?

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

The only real tiebreaker to consider comes to us courtesy of the match between Algeria and Austria. As noted above, Austria clinches the second spot with a win or a draw, and that is due to the goal differential tiebreaker. If that match remains tied, both Austria and Algeria would finish with four points. But when you apply the goal differential, Austria would finish with a 0 goal differential, while Algeria would finish with a -2.

That would clinch second place in Group J for Austria.

#World #Cup #Argentina #clinched #spot #knockout #Group">World Cup 2026: How Argentina clinched a spot in the knockout round from Group J

Saturday at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will complete group play in Group J.

Argentina has already clinched Group J, and will advance to the Round of 32 where they will play tournament darlings Cabo Verde. While Jordan has already been eliminated, both Austria and Algeria are in contention for spots in the knockout round.

Here are the remaining scenarios in Group J ahead of the final day of matches in group play.

What are the Group J standings?

Here are the current standings in Group J, ahead of matches set for Saturday, June 27.

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Argentina20050+56
Austria1013303
Algeria10124-23
Jordan00225-30

What are the next Group J matches?

Here are the times for Saturday’s final matches. All times listed are Eastern.

Argentina 2, Austria 0
Algeria 2, Jordan 1

Algeria vs. Austria, 10:00 p.m.
Jordan vs. Argentina, 10:00 p.m.

What are the scenarios in Group J?

Here are the scenarios ahead of the final day of matches, set for June 27. These scenarios involve automatic qualification for the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group. Teams can still advance as a third-place team, and for more on those standings we have you covered here. In addition, teams that are “eliminated” are guaranteed to finish fourth in their group.

Argentina has already won Group J, and they will play the second-place team from Group H in the Round of 32

Austria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win or draw against Algeria.

Algeria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win against Austria.

Jordan has already been eliminated from the knockout rounds.

What about tiebreakers in Group J?

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

The only real tiebreaker to consider comes to us courtesy of the match between Algeria and Austria. As noted above, Austria clinches the second spot with a win or a draw, and that is due to the goal differential tiebreaker. If that match remains tied, both Austria and Algeria would finish with four points. But when you apply the goal differential, Austria would finish with a 0 goal differential, while Algeria would finish with a -2.

That would clinch second place in Group J for Austria.

#World #Cup #Argentina #clinched #spot #knockout #Group

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

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