🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Portugal and Belgium secure victories in World Cup warm-up matches
via The Namibian1 min read
Portugal and Belgium both registered wins in their home stadiums on Saturday as they continued preparations for the upcoming World Cup. Portugal defeated Chile 2-1 in Oeiras, near Lisbon, in a match that saw both teams reduced to ten men after Rafael Leao and Ivan Roman received red cards following a scuffle before halftime. Goncalo Guedes opened the scoring for Portugal in the 58th minute, with Bruno Fernandes adding a second from long range. Lucas Cepeda scored a late consolation goal for Chile. Portugal is scheduled to play a friendly against Nigeria on June 10 before their World Cup campaign in Group K against DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. In Brussels, Belgium secured a 5-0 victory over Tunisia. Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, Kevin De Bruyne, Dodi Lukebakio, and Nicolas Raskin scored for Belgium, with the last three goals coming after Tunisia's Ismael Gharbi was sent off with a second yellow card. Belgium will compete in Group G at the World Cup against Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand. Tunisia, managed by Sabri Lamouchi, is in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden.
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Harry Kane scored his 79th international goal, leading England to a 1-0 win against New Zealand in a World Cup preparation match in Florida. Kane netted Djed Spence's cross in first-half stoppage time, as England secured a victory against a team ranked 81 places below them. Despite New Zealand's 4-0 loss to Haiti earlier, England found clear scoring opportunities challenging in the hot conditions. Coach Thomas Tuchel used entirely different lineups for each half, with Kane being replaced by Ivan Toney at halftime. England maintained possession dominance but could not extend their lead. England, considered among the favorites for the World Cup, will face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in Group L. New Zealand is set to play Iran, Belgium, and Egypt in Group G.
Germany secured a 2-1 victory over World Cup co-hosts the United States in Chicago, in their final warm-up game before the tournament. Kai Havertz opened the scoring for Germany early in the match, heading in a free kick from Joshua Kimmich. The US, despite a challenging start, found their rhythm, with Christian Pulisic creating the equalizer, which Antonee Robinson converted with a powerful strike from outside the box. However, Leroy Sane restored Germany's lead in the 57th minute, finishing a team passing move with an assist from Havertz. Both teams made multiple substitutions in the second half, resting key players ahead of their World Cup openers. US coach Mauricio Pochettino's side, which had previously beaten Senegal 3-2, showed resilience despite the loss. The US will begin their World Cup campaign against Paraguay, followed by matches against Australia and Turkey. Germany will start their tournament against Curacao, with subsequent group games against Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
Iran's World Cup squad has departed Turkey for Mexico, shadowed by a diplomatic disagreement with the United States concerning visa denials for some of the team's support staff. The dispute emerged just days before the June 11 start of the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The team left for Tijuana, Mexico, where they will be based for the tournament. While players received their US visas, Iran's embassy in Turkey stated that a significant number of managerial and executive staff were denied visas, prompting a strong reaction. The embassy accused the US of discriminatory treatment and called on FIFA to hold the US accountable. Iranian state TV reported that 15 administrative and management personnel did not receive visas. Iran's Football Federation, whose chief Mehdi Taj was reportedly among those denied a visa, condemned the decision as "political interference in sport." A US administration official confirmed that visas for athletes and necessary support staff were issued, adding that the US would not allow the Iranian team to "abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously suggested concerns about individuals with potential ties to the Revolutionary Guards. Tensions from the Middle East war have complicated the visa situation, leading Team Melli to shift its World Cup base from Arizona to Tijuana. Iran, in Group G, is scheduled to play group stage matches in the United States
Mirra Andreeva secured her first Grand Slam title at the French Open, defeating Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. The 19-year-old Russian became the youngest Roland Garros women’s singles champion since Monica Seles in 1992 and the first player born after 2005 to win a Grand Slam. Andreeva expressed her disbelief and gratitude, stating that winning the tournament was a long-held dream. Chwalinska, who had an impressive run from qualifying to the final, acknowledged Andreeva's talent despite her own disappointment. This victory marks a significant milestone in Andreeva's career, adding the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen to her two WTA 1000 titles. Chwalinska's performance will see her ranking rise significantly, assuring her regular participation in major tournaments.