Spain and Portugal to clash in World Cup last 16, with Cristiano Ronaldo's international career potentially on the line
via The Namibian3 min read
Spain and Portugal are set to meet in an enticing World Cup last 16 match in Texas. The encounter could determine the quarter-finalists and potentially mark the end of Cristiano Ronaldo's international career. Spain, the European champions, advanced after a 3-0 victory over Austria, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice and Pedro Porro adding a header. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, noting they are still capable of improvement. Lamine Yamal, an 18-year-old Barcelona player, delivered a man-of-the-match performance against Austria, playing 85 minutes. Yamal stated the team is not afraid of any opponent. Ronaldo, 41, is playing in what is expected to be his final World Cup. After a 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo, he scored twice in a 5-0 win against Uzbekistan. Portugal, under coach Roberto Martinez, defeated Croatia 2-1 in the last 32, with Ronaldo scoring from a penalty. Martinez has faced questions regarding his preference for Ronaldo over younger players like Goncalo Ramos. Martinez acknowledged Spain's quality but anticipates a "fantastic game" between two teams that seek possession and scoring opportunities. Spain is considered the favorite to advance, though Portugal has a recent history of success against them, including a penalty shootout win in the 2025 Nations League final.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden secured a victory in the women's 100m at the Eugene Diamond League athletics meeting, finishing in 10.78 seconds, just ahead of Sha'Carri Richardson's 10.79 seconds. Jefferson-Wooden has remained unbeaten in the 100m since 2024. The event also featured several upsets, including US 18-year-old Tate Taylor's win over Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo in the men's 200m with a personal best of 19.75 seconds. Nigerian Kayinsola Ajayi, 21, set a national record of 9.84 seconds in his Diamond League debut, defeating world champion Oblique Seville in the men's 100m. Additionally, American Nikki Hiltz caused an upset by winning the women's mile, marking Kenyan Faith Kipyegon's first Diamond League defeat in four years. Jamal Britt also lowered his personal best to win the 110m hurdles, becoming the fifth-fastest performer all-time and spoiling Ja'Kobe Tharp's professional debut. In other results, Kenyan world champion Lilian Odira won the women's 800m, and Olympic champion Tara Davis-Woodhall secured victory in the women's long jump. Olympic champion Masai Russell won the women's 100m hurdles with a time of 12.24 seconds, beating world record-holder Tobi Amusan.
Scotland, led by captain Sione Tuipulotu, achieved a record 47-38 victory over Argentina in the Nations Championship in Cordoba. Tuipulotu scored one try and assisted another during a dominant first half. This win marks Scotland's best-ever result in Argentina, surpassing their 2018 performance. Despite a late try from Lucio Cinti, Argentina secured a bonus point. Scotland's head coach Gregor Townsend started Tom Jordan at fly-half due to Finn Russell's injury. Argentina's head coach Felipe Contepomi celebrated Matias Alemanno's 100th cap. Scotland established an early lead, with tries from Tuipulotu and Pierre Schoeman, and maintained control throughout the match. Rory Hutchinson, Fraser Brown, Scott Cummings, Gregor Hiddleston, and Kyle Rowe also contributed tries for Scotland. Argentina's efforts to close the gap included a try from Tomas Rapetti and a penalty from Tomas Albornoz, but Scotland ultimately secured the win.
Morocco secured a 3-0 victory over Canada in Houston, eliminating Canada from the World Cup and advancing to the quarter-finals. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi scored the opening goal on 50 minutes and added a second later in the match. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi sealed the win with a third goal in the final moments. Morocco will now face either France or Paraguay. Despite Canada's strong start and being the better side in the first half, they were unable to convert their opportunities. The match saw a physical first half with six yellow cards issued, four to Morocco players, including captain Achraf Hakimi. Morocco, who had previously beaten Canada in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, showed a transformed performance in the second half to secure their place in the next round.