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IND vs AFG Live Score Day 2, One-off Test: India 500/6; Washington, Suthar resume after lunch  TOSSIndia won the toss and opted to bat first.India vs Afghanistan Playing XIs:India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, B Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh KrishnaAfghanistan: Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Abdul Malik , Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Afsar Zazai (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nangeyalia Kharote, Ziaur Rahman, Mohammad SaleemMATCH PREVIEWA one-off Test against Afghanistan, beginning at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on Saturday, will be an ideal reconvening point for India before it squabbles up for a late charge at the World Test Championship final.Left with a daunting path to the summit clash after the home series loss to South Africa, preparation for the upcoming must-win tours to Sri Lanka and New Zealand is already on the agenda.Nowhere does India need to clean house more than its feeble batting order. Despite playing in home conditions, India averaged a paltry 15.23 across the four innings in that series. Only two batters, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja, scored fifties in that series.But the early indicators in New Chandigarh suggest India is banking on continuity. Head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed on match eve that India’s under-fire No. 3 choice Sai Sudharsan will continue in the role. Handing the vice-captaincy to KL Rahul appears to be another move borne from the urge to give more chances to Rishabh Pant.Read the full preview here: India’s struggling batting order in focus against spirited AfghanistanINDIA vs AFGHANISTAN LIVE STREAMING INFO:When and where will India vs Afghanistan be played?The one-off Test between India and Afghanistan will be played at the Maharaja Singh PCA Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. The match is scheduled to begin at 9:30 am IST.How to watch India vs Afghanistan one-off Test?The one-off Test between India and Afghanistan will be telecast on the Star Sports Network. It can also be live-streamed on JioHotStar.INDIA vs AFGHANISTAN SQUADS:IndiaShubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper)AfghanistanHashmatullah Shahidi (C), Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Zadran, Afsar Zazai (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafudin Ashraf, Nangyal Kharotai, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi, Saleem Safi.Published on Jun 07, 2026  #IND #AFG #Live #Score #Day #Oneoff #Test #India #Washington #Suthar #resume #lunch

IND vs AFG Live Score Day 2, One-off Test: India 500/6; Washington, Suthar resume after lunch

TOSS

India won the toss and opted to bat first.

India vs Afghanistan Playing XIs:

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, B Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

Afghanistan: Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Abdul Malik , Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Afsar Zazai (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nangeyalia Kharote, Ziaur Rahman, Mohammad Saleem

MATCH PREVIEW

A one-off Test against Afghanistan, beginning at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on Saturday, will be an ideal reconvening point for India before it squabbles up for a late charge at the World Test Championship final.

Left with a daunting path to the summit clash after the home series loss to South Africa, preparation for the upcoming must-win tours to Sri Lanka and New Zealand is already on the agenda.

Nowhere does India need to clean house more than its feeble batting order. Despite playing in home conditions, India averaged a paltry 15.23 across the four innings in that series. Only two batters, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja, scored fifties in that series.

But the early indicators in New Chandigarh suggest India is banking on continuity. Head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed on match eve that India’s under-fire No. 3 choice Sai Sudharsan will continue in the role. Handing the vice-captaincy to KL Rahul appears to be another move borne from the urge to give more chances to Rishabh Pant.

Read the full preview here: India’s struggling batting order in focus against spirited Afghanistan

INDIA vs AFGHANISTAN LIVE STREAMING INFO:

When and where will India vs Afghanistan be played?

The one-off Test between India and Afghanistan will be played at the Maharaja Singh PCA Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. The match is scheduled to begin at 9:30 am IST.

How to watch India vs Afghanistan one-off Test?

The one-off Test between India and Afghanistan will be telecast on the Star Sports Network. It can also be live-streamed on JioHotStar.

INDIA vs AFGHANISTAN SQUADS:

India

Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper)

Afghanistan

Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Zadran, Afsar Zazai (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafudin Ashraf, Nangyal Kharotai, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi, Saleem Safi.

Published on Jun 07, 2026

#IND #AFG #Live #Score #Day #Oneoff #Test #India #Washington #Suthar #resume #lunch

TOSS

India won the toss and opted to bat first.

India vs Afghanistan Playing XIs:

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, B Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

Afghanistan: Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Abdul Malik , Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Afsar Zazai (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nangeyalia Kharote, Ziaur Rahman, Mohammad Saleem

MATCH PREVIEW

A one-off Test against Afghanistan, beginning at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on Saturday, will be an ideal reconvening point for India before it squabbles up for a late charge at the World Test Championship final.

Left with a daunting path to the summit clash after the home series loss to South Africa, preparation for the upcoming must-win tours to Sri Lanka and New Zealand is already on the agenda.

Nowhere does India need to clean house more than its feeble batting order. Despite playing in home conditions, India averaged a paltry 15.23 across the four innings in that series. Only two batters, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja, scored fifties in that series.

But the early indicators in New Chandigarh suggest India is banking on continuity. Head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed on match eve that India’s under-fire No. 3 choice Sai Sudharsan will continue in the role. Handing the vice-captaincy to KL Rahul appears to be another move borne from the urge to give more chances to Rishabh Pant.

Read the full preview here: India’s struggling batting order in focus against spirited Afghanistan

INDIA vs AFGHANISTAN LIVE STREAMING INFO:

When and where will India vs Afghanistan be played?

The one-off Test between India and Afghanistan will be played at the Maharaja Singh PCA Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. The match is scheduled to begin at 9:30 am IST.

How to watch India vs Afghanistan one-off Test?

The one-off Test between India and Afghanistan will be telecast on the Star Sports Network. It can also be live-streamed on JioHotStar.

INDIA vs AFGHANISTAN SQUADS:

India

Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper)

Afghanistan

Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Zadran, Afsar Zazai (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafudin Ashraf, Nangyal Kharotai, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi, Saleem Safi.

Published on Jun 07, 2026

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#IND #AFG #Live #Score #Day #Oneoff #Test #India #Washington #Suthar #resume #lunch

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कांग्रेस का विधायकों को संदेश- MP में राज्यसभा चुनाव प्रतिष्ठा की लड़ाई, अफवाहों पर ध्यान न दें

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.”

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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

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