Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland all secured victories in the World Cup round of 32 on Thursday night and Friday morning, with Cristiano Ronaldo netting his first knockout-stage goal at a World Cup.
Spain Cruise Past Austria
Spain cruised to a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Austria as Mikel Oyarzabal bagged a double and Pedro Porro also found the net. There was drama, however, as Joe Hart was left stunned that Marc Cucurella's strike was chalked off for a foul on the keeper before the goal fest began.
Portugal Edge Croatia in Controversial Thriller
Cristiano Ronaldo netted his first knockout strike at a World Cup as Portugal secured a thrilling yet controversial 2-1 win over Croatia. Goncalo Ramos grabbed the decisive goal as Josko Gvardiol saw his effort disallowed in the 103rd minute of the encounter. Following VAR's intervention, the fixture experienced a delayed conclusion as supporters hurled bottles onto the field in a furious response to the ruling.
FIFA clarified why the goal was overturned in a statement: "According to the data provided by Connected Ball Technology housed within the @adidasfootball Trionda, the official match ball of the @FIFAWorldCup, it was proven that contact was made by Croatia's #20 Igor Matanović in the build-up to the goal against Portugal, allowing the referee to correctly determine offside and disallow the goal."
Luka Modric, aged 40, likely played his final World Cup match after Croatia's elimination. Ronaldo was seen embracing him following the match, revealing he had bid 'farewell' to his former Real Madrid colleague.
Switzerland Beat Algeria
Switzerland clinched a 2-0 triumph over Algeria courtesy of strikes from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye. They will face the victor of Colombia vs Ghana.
Diogo Jota Tribute
Ronaldo and the Portugal squad honoured Diogo Jota after their victory, marking the anniversary of his passing. They displayed a jersey featuring his number '21'. "We won for ourselves, for Diogo, and for Portugal! ! ! LET'S GO! ! ! !" declared Ronaldo on social media. Jota has been remembered at every Liverpool and Portugal game since his tragic death in a car crash in Spain exactly a month ago today (June 3).
Nagelsmann Resigns
Julian Nagelsmann has stepped down as Germany manager following the nation's World Cup elimination on penalties against Paraguay. It's reported that Jurgen Klopp is reportedly prepared to take on the Germany national team position after a three-hour discussion with officials. Official confirmation is set to follow.
