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World Cup Daily: Past, present and future stars take the stage

Published

3 hours ago

3 July 2026

The best World Cup days don’t just produce great soccer. They produce theatrics.

On Thursday, as Spain met Austria and Portugal faced Croatia, and Switzerland tested Algeria, soccer’s past, present and future shared the same stage. An 18-year-old continued announcing himself to the world. A 29-year-old quietly strengthened his case as one of international soccer’s most clinical forwards. And veterans in their late 30s and early 40s reminded everyone they still have chapters left to write.

There was an emotional tribute. Supporters made Toronto feel like Lisbon and Zagreb. And another knockout match descended into chaos.

It became the kind of day only a World Cup can deliver.

Here are the big takeaways from Thursday’s action.

Routine, ruthless, relentless

Against Austria, Spain didn’t just win; they looked every bit the team everyone else should fear.

La Roja might not have sparkled in the group stage, memorably opening the tournament with a frustrating draw against debutants Cape Verde. But Spain has grown into this competition in ominous fashion; not because it dazzled or relied on moments of individual brilliance, but because it made a tough European opponent look ordinary.

Spain’s style of play is routine and relentless. Luis de la Fuente’s side kept the ball until Austria ran out of gas, moving with such precision that Ralf Rangnick’s backline could only chase shadows. For the Austrians, it would have felt like water filling a room — an unsettling wave of claustrophobia until suddenly there’s no air left to breathe.

Austria deserves enormous credit for hanging in as long as it did, with Alexander Schlager producing several outstanding saves. But even when Austria briefly found a foothold after halftime, the Spaniards were never frustrated. They simply kept asking the same impossible question until Austria ran out of answers, which is what separates this side from everyone else.

The metronomic calm of Rodri and Pedri in the midfield gave Spain complete control, while wonderkid Lamine Yamal provided the edge. The 18-year-old spent another afternoon making one of Europe’s most dependable backlines look uncomfortable, gliding past challenges with an ease that almost looked unfair. Then came Mikel Oyarzabal, whose quick movement and relentless work on and off the ball made him the perfect frontman for a team that values patience over theatrics. The Real Sociedad forward now has four goals in this competition, only two away from Golden Boot leaders Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi, who each have six. Could the 29-year-old be a sneaky pick to win the honour?

Overall, we’ve seen flashes of Spain’s brilliance throughout this tournament. Against Austria, we saw the complete version. The frightening part is the 3-0 knockout barely felt extraordinary — it just felt routine.

And that’s exactly what World Cup winners tend to do.

A World Cup classic, made in Toronto

For 45 minutes, Portugal and Croatia played a match that looked destined to be forgotten.

The hour that followed was everything that makes the World Cup unforgettable.

Portugal dominated the first half, holding possession while Croatia defended with every available blue shirt. It looked like a standard knockout match: tense, tactical and not exactly one to write home about.

Then Ivan Perišić changed everything.

The 37-year-old gave Croatia a shock lead early in the second half, which set the match into motion. Rafael Leão rattled the crossbar. 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo thought he equalized, only for an offside flag to cut his celebration short. Minutes later, he buried a penalty to score his first World Cup knockout goal and breathe life back into Portugal’s campaign.

And somehow, it still wasn’t over.

Roberto Martinez’s boldest decision came when he replaced Ronaldo with Gonçalo Ramos late in the second half. But the questionable move proved inspired. Ramos rose above two Croatian defenders to power home a stoppage-time winner before Croatia thought it had forced extra time in the dying seconds, only for another offside decision to crush its hopes. It was pure cinema at Toronto Stadium, with eighteen minutes of added time, a pitch invader, fans throwing objects onto the field, and wave after wave of late chances from some of soccer’s greatest stars. Was it a technically perfect showing? Absolutely not. But sometimes, the most memorable sporting moments are simply the ones that make you feel something.

Portugal survived to set up a blockbuster Round of 16 showdown with Spain, while Croatia left heartbroken in what may have been Luka Modrić’s final World Cup appearance. Portugal will need to be far sharper against a Spanish side that has looked among the tournament’s most complete teams, but after Thursday’s result, it’s clear that the side is up for the challenge.

Beyond the result, this match wasn’t just another reminder of why the World Cup captivates billions every four years. It also showed what hosting this tournament can mean for Canada. Toronto Stadium became the setting for a night of chaos, controversy, heartbreak and jubilation that will live long in the memories of everyone lucky enough to witness it. If the 2026 World Cup is about growing the game in this country, nights like this are exactly how it happens.

After Portugal and Croatia turned Toronto into a movie, Switzerland offered something much different in Vancouver: control, patience, and punishment.

Algeria had the ball for long stretches in the first half, but Switzerland had the better plan. They sat deep, waited for Algeria’s wandering wing-backs to leave space, and struck just 10 minutes in with a Breel Embolo tap-in.

For the sixth straight World Cup match, Algeria conceded first. And for all their possession and territory, they rarely troubled Gregor Kobel.

Then came the moment that effectively ended the contest. Just 47 seconds into the second half, Algeria switched off again. They failed to clear the danger on multiple occasions and watched Dan Ndoye bury a superb finish to double Switzerland’s lead.

That was the match in a nutshell. Algeria had the possession, but Switzerland had the control. They protected space, targeted Algeria’s biggest weakness, and never allowed the game to become the open, emotional contest their opponents needed.

It wasn’t as dramatic as Portugal/Croatia, nor as technically dominant as Spain/Austria, but it was every bit as effective. Switzerland reminded everyone that knockout soccer doesn’t always need to be spectacular. Sometimes, success comes from identifying a weakness, exploiting it ruthlessly, and making the result feel inevitable.

Portugal’s Round of 32 clash with Croatia kicked off at midnight in Portugal, exactly one year after the death of Diogo Jota.

Before kickoff at Toronto Stadium, the big screens displayed his photo following the Portuguese national anthem as supporters paused to remember one of the country’s most beloved athletes.

Austria didn’t manage a single shot on target against Spain, which made for a quiet yet historic night for goalkeeper Unai Simón.

The Athletic Bilbao star set a new all-time World Cup record for most minutes played without conceding, passing the previous mark of 517 set by Italy’s Walter Zenga in 1990.

It remains to be seen whether the 29-year-old can follow Iker Casillas as the second Spanish netminder to lift the World Cup trophy. But with La Roja looking this controlled, composed and downright scary, they’re certainly making the case.

Sportsnet soccer reporter John Molinaro captured one last postcard from Toronto Stadium before Portugal and Croatia took the pitch on Thursday. As the sun dipped below the skyline, a packed stadium of fans from around the world soaked in the atmosphere for Toronto’s final match of the 2026 World Cup – a fitting sendoff for a city that has embraced the tournament from day one.

Fun fact: Ronaldo scored his first goal for Real Madrid at this stadium in 2009, in a friendly against Toronto FC.

1. Gonçalo Ramos (Portugal): Introduced off the bench, Ramos made an impact when it mattered most, as his stoppage-time header booked Portugal’s place in the Round of 16. The new AC Milan striker has averaged a goal or assist every 37 minutes at the World Cup, the best ratio of any Portuguese player thus far.

2a. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain): He may not carry the same star power as some of the World Cup’s biggest names, but few forwards are as clinical. His brace against Austria sent Spain into the Round of 16 and extended a remarkable run of 17 goals in his last 17 international appearances. Ever since scoring the winner in the Euro 2024 final, the 29-year-old simply hasn’t slowed down.

2b. Lamine Yamal (Spain): The youngster was a constant menace against Austria, becoming the youngest player since 1966 to record more than 10 touches in the opposition box at a World Cup. Just as encouraging for Spain, the Barcelona winger played 85 minutes, his longest outing of the tournament and his most since returning from a hamstring injury.

3. Johan Manzambi (Switzerland): Switzerland’s breakout star keeps on delivering. The 20-year-old set up another goal on Thursday, taking his tournament tally to three goals and two assists. His pace down the left flank repeatedly stretched Algeria’s defence and gave Switzerland another dimension in attack. At this rate, it won’t be long before Europe’s biggest clubs come calling.

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MLB Roundup: Rays top Royals for eighth straight win

Published

1 minute ago

3 July 2026

NewsAdmin

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Cedric Mullins hit a two-run homer, Ian Seymour dominated the Royals for the second time in a week, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat Kansas City 5-2 on Thursday night to extend their winning streak to eight games.

Taylor Walls, Richie Palacios and Hunter Feduccia also drove in runs for the red-hot Rays, though Junior Caminero had his home run streak end at six games. The slugging third baseman went 0 for 5.

Seymour (5-1) allowed a leadoff homer to Carter Jensen but just two more hits over six crisp innings, striking out eight and walking one. Cam Booser and Garrett Cleavinger got the game to Bryan Baker, who handled the ninth for his 22nd save.

Stephen Kolek (4-3) struggled for the Royals in his first start since his wife gave birth to their daughter, Faye, last week. He cruised through the first but allowed three runs on four hits and a walk in the second, and he did not return for the third.

Kolek matched a career high by allowing nine runs in just 1 2/3 innings in his most recent start June 21 against St. Louis.

PHILADELPHIA — Esmerlyn Valdez tripled, singled and knocked in two runs, Endy Rodriguez and Nick Gonzales homered and Pittsburgh beat Philadelphia.

The Pirates split their four-game series in Philadelphia, closing with a win against a Phillies team that had won 11 of its previous 15 games at Citizens Bank Park.

Jake Mangum had three hits and a run scored, while Brandon Lowe had a pair of hits, scored a run and reached safely three times for Pittsburgh. The Pirates had 14 hits and limited the Phillies to four.

Phillies starting pitcher Alan Rangel, promoted recently from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, held his own against the Pirates but didn’t last long.

Rangel threw 90 pitches in four innings, allowing no runs on only three hits, but with four walks and four strikeouts. He left with a 1-0 lead, courtesy of Bryce Harper’s two-out, RBI double to left field in the third.

That left runners on second and third, but Pirates starter Jared Jones escaped further damage by getting Brandon Marsh on a fly to right. Jones also lasted four innings, allowing two hits with six strikeouts.

MILWAUKEE — Sal Stewart and Jose Trevino homered off Jacob Misiorowski, and Chase Burns pitched six strong innings as Cincinnati beat Milwaukee.

TJ Friedl also went deep for Cincinnati as the Reds beat the Brewers for the first time in seven attempts this season. Garrett Mitchell homered for Milwaukee.

The game featured two of baseball’s best and hardest-throwing pitchers in Burns and Misiorowski. Burns (10-1) earned the win by giving up two runs and four hits. Burns is the only Reds pitcher since at least 1900 to open a season by allowing two runs or fewer in 15 of his first 17 starts.

Misiorowski (9-4) struck out 10 and walked none in five innings while reaching a peak velocity of 103.8 mph, but the five runs he allowed matched a career high. Only one of the runs was earned.

The most recent time Misiorowski allowed five runs came on Aug. 15 of last season, when he lasted only 1 1/3 innings in a 10-8 victory at Cincinnati.

Misiorowski had gone 8-1 with an 0.54 ERA over his last 10 starts.

DENVER — Jake McCarthy drove in four runs, Mickey Moniak had two RBIs and finished a triple shy of a cycle, and the Colorado Rockies beat the Miami Marlins 14-4 on Thursday to earn a split in the four-game series.

McCarthy and Moniak both homered, with Moniak going deep for the third consecutive game.

It was the second consecutive game and the third time this season that Moniak missed out on a cycle by one hit. In the previous two instances, he failed to get a single.

McCarthy and Moniak both drove in runs during a seven-run sixth inning that stretched Colorado’s lead from one run to eight. In that burst, the Rockies had seven consecutive batters get on base.

Troy Johnston, Willi Castro and Cole Carrigg added two RBIs apiece for Colorado, which had lost eight of its previous nine games against the Marlins.

CLEVELAND — Brayan Rocchio hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning that gave Cleveland a victory over Chicago in the opener of a four-game series between the top two teams in the AL Central.

Cleveland rallied from a three-run deficit and trails Chicago by less than a full percentage point atop the division standings.

Pinch-hitter David Fry launched a solo homer in the seventh that trimmed the Guardians’ deficit to 5-4.

White Sox reliever Grant Taylor (4-2) walked Rhys Hoskins leading off the ninth. Kahlil Watson flied out to center before Rocchio pulled a 99 mph fastball down the right-field line for his sixth home run this season.

Tim Herrin (1-3) pitched a perfect inning for the win.

ATLANTA — Jordan Walker homered and drove in four runs, Nathan Church hit a tying two-run homer in a seven-run seventh inning and St. Louis beat Atlanta.

The Braves led 5-3 before the Cardinals rallied in the seventh. After Church’s homer off Tyler Kinley (4-3), JJ Wetherholt’s run-scoring single off Dylan Lee gave St. Louis the lead. Walker added a run-scoring single in the big inning.

Alec Burleson homered in the ninth and Masyn Winn had three hits and a walk for St. Louis.

Right-hander Gordon Graceffo (6-1) pitched a scoreless sixth as St. Louis won two of three in the series. The Cardinals gave manager Oliver Marmol a win on his 40th birthday.

Dominic Smith drove in three runs with a double in Atlanta’s five-run first inning.

ARLINGTON, Texas — Nathan Eovaldi weathered a three-run Detroit uprising after taking a no-hitter into the fifth inning and Elias Díaz, Josh Smith and Evan Carter hit solo home runs to help Texas get the victory.

The Rangers matched a season high with 17 hits en route to their seventh victory in eight games. The Tigers arrived at Globe Life Field after sweeping three games at Yankee Stadium.

Eovaldi (9-7) allowed only one walk through four innings and matched a season high with nine strikeouts in winning his fourth consecutive start, pitching five-plus innings. Detroit’s Colt Keith led off the fifth by homering on an 0-2 cut fastball above the strike zone. Hao-Yu Lee added a two-run homer that barely cleared the wall in left, just beyond Alejandro Osuna’s reach.

Eovaldi allowed five hits in the fifth inning and was pulled leading 5-3 after Riley Greene led off the sixth with a double. Peyton Gray, Texas’ third pitcher in the sixth, struck out Lee with the bases loaded to end the inning.

Díaz’s home run came in Texas’ three-run second inning, his second in two games.

SEATTLE — Bryce Miller took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and Seattle edged the Los Angeles Angels to finish a three-game sweep.

Cal Raleigh coaxed a bases-loaded walk from rookie starter Walbert Ureña with two outs in the sixth to force home the only run. Seattle stayed tied with the Texas Rangers for first place in the AL West at 45-43.

Andrés Muñoz pitched a shaky ninth for his 16th save. Muñoz gave up a leadoff walk and two singles but retired Wade Meckler on a grounder with two runners aboard to end it.

LOS ANGELES — Dalton Rushing tied career highs with four hits and four RBIs as Los Angeles rallied from an early six-run deficit for a victory over skidding San Diego.

Kyle Tucker added four hits to equal a career best and reached base five times. Andy Pages tied it with a two-run double in the fourth inning, and the Dodgers scored 12 straight runs to win for the eighth time in 10 games.

Roki Sasaki gave up six runs over three innings, including three homers, but the Los Angeles bullpen allowed just one run the rest of the way. Will Klein (3-2) worked two scoreless innings to earn the win.

It was the Dodgers’ biggest comeback victory since they trailed by six runs against the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022.

Manny Machado, Jackson Merrill and Jake Cronenworth homered in the first two innings for the Padres, who matched a season high with their sixth consecutive loss. Three of those defeats have come against the Dodgers.

San Diego starter Randy Vásquez gave up four runs and seven hits in three innings before left-hander Wandy Peralta (1-1) permitted four runs and six hits in the fourth.

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‘Ireland hangover’: Dinesh Karthik on Shreyas Iyer’s toss decision in 1st T20I vs England | Cricket News

Published

10 minutes ago

3 July 2026

NewsAdmin

'Ireland hangover': Dinesh Karthik on Shreyas Iyer's toss decision in 1st T20I vs England

Harry Brook and Shreyas Iyer (BCCI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India’s decision to bat first in the opening T20I against England surprised many. With overcast skies and rain around, most teams would have preferred to bowl first after winning the toss at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street on Wednesday.However, India captain Shreyas Iyer chose to bat, and former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik believes there was one major reason behind that decision – the recent 2-0 T20I series defeat against Ireland.

‘Ireland hangover was there’

India had opted to field first in both T20Is against Ireland but failed to chase down the targets. They lost the first match by 34 runs and the second by just one run.Karthik feels those defeats influenced India’s thinking against England.“India, choosing to bat, was a good decision, even though, obviously, there was a bit of weather around the corner constantly… The general tendency is to chase down totals,” Karthik told Cricbuzz.“It was a bit of an awkward evening here because rain was always looming around the corner, but I do think the Ireland hangover was there a bit. So, India decided, ‘let’s not chase and bat first’,” he added.

Match abandoned after rain

India’s plan looked promising as they posted a competitive 189/7 in 20 overs before heavy rain brought the match to an early end.Rain started towards the end of India’s innings and only became heavier. With just over 40 minutes remaining before the cut-off time for a five-over game, the umpires called off the match.Shreyas Iyer led from the front with a 47-ball 68, while opener Abhishek Sharma scored 59. All-rounder Shivam Dube provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 42 off just 21 balls.The second match of the five-match T20I series will be played in Manchester on July 4.

Iyer crosses 5,000 international runs

The match also turned into a personal milestone for Shreyas Iyer, who completed 5,000 international runs for India during his knock of 68. He reached the landmark with an innings that included six fours and a six at a strike rate of over 144.So far, Iyer has scored 5,031 runs in 147 international matches at an average of 39.61 and a strike rate of 96.06. His tally includes six centuries and 37 half-centuries, with a highest score of 128 not out.In Tests, he has scored 811 runs in 14 matches at an average of 36.86, including one century and five fifties.ODIs remain his most successful format, with 3,035 runs in 79 matches at an average of 45.98, including five centuries and 23 fifties.In T20Is, Iyer has scored 1,184 runs in 54 matches at an average of 30.38 and a strike rate of over 135, with nine fifties and a highest score of 74 not out.

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Tonali, Palestra, Ekhator & More: The Transfers Giving Italy Hope

Published

23 minutes ago

3 July 2026

NewsAdmin

Italy may have endured the disappointment of missing out on another FIFA World Cup, but the value of the Azzurri’s top talent has never been higher.

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Tonali and Palestra’s expensive transfers

Italian players continue to attract significant interest from Europe’s elite clubs, as highlighted by the blockbuster Premier League transfers of Sandro Tonali and highly rated full-back Marco Palestra, underscoring the growing demand for homegrown Italian talent on the international stage.

Marco Palestra has completed his transfer to Chelsea from Atalanta (chelseafc.com)

There are encouraging signs closer to home as well. Serie A clubs are increasingly investing in the next generation of Italian prospects, with Juventus completing the permanent signing of 19-year-old forward Jeff Ekhator from Genoa after an impressive spell with the Bianconeri’s youth setup.

Meanwhile, ambitious Como are on the verge of securing one of the country’s brightest creative talents, Mattia Liberali, after the midfielder turned down the opportunity to return to Milan from Catanzaro.

Lorenzo Bettoni and Giancarlo Rinaldi break it all down in the latest episode of the Football Italia Summer Show.

Watch the full episode below

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Report: Doncic ‘excited’ by Lakers’ off-season moves

Published

36 minutes ago

3 July 2026

NewsAdmin

Rob Pelinka is doing a good job of keeping his superstar happy.

The Lakers have completely revamped their roster since free agency opened on June 30, and LeBron James announced he would be moving on from L.A.

Los Angeles reportedly landed centre Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade deal and gave him a four-year, $130 million contract. It also signed forward Sandro Mamukelashvili and guards Quentin Grimes and Colin Sexton.

The Lakers also re-signed Austin Reaves to a four-year, $185 million deal before he could hit the open market.

The moves address Doncic’s biggest desires, which were bringing back Reaves and getting an elite rim-protecting centre, Woike added. The Lakers have been in regular communication with Doncic since the season ended.

The Lakers are also not done making moves just yet; they still hope to add a wing -with Jonathan Kuminga topping their list, per Woike.

L.A. will enter a new era in 2026-27 with James’ departure and Doncic assuming the position as the face of the franchise.

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World Cup: "Les Bleus" back in training ahead clash with Paraguay

Published

49 minutes ago

3 July 2026

NewsAdmin

France’s “les Bleus” are back in training after their large victory over Sweden, 3-0. They will face Paraguay in Philadelphia on July 4th.

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Portugal-Croatia: Ramos strikes late as Selecao edge Croatia to reach last 16

Published

1 hour ago

3 July 2026

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric met in a dramatic Round of 32 clash in Toronto, with two football icons once again sharing a World Cup stage that could mark the end of their international journeys. The former Real Madrid teammates led Portugal and Croatia into a tense knockout battle, which Portugal ultimately won 2–1 thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Goncalo Ramos, sealing their place in the last 16. Relive our minute-by-minute coverage.

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VAR overturns Croatia goal as Portugal advances in World Cup knockout

Published

1 hour ago

3 July 2026

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Croatia thought their FIFA World Cup hopes were still alive when they scored the game-tying goal just before the end of stoppage time in the second half.

But a VAR review said Mario Pasalic was offside, and it was Portugal moving on instead.

Gonçalo Ramos’ goal just minutes earlier — a beautiful header into the back of the net in the 94th minute — was the decider in this 2-1 victory for Portugal. And it was only the second time in Portuguese World Cup history the nation needed to come from behind to win, underscoring its resilience on the sport’s biggest stage.

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Luka Modric of Croatia and teammates react after the 1-2 loss during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia at Toronto Stadium on July 2, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Patrick Smith – FIFA)

It was a controversial ending, though, and one where Croatia tried to argue the ball never hit the head of Igor Matanovic, which made Pasalic offside during VAR review.

It’s also worth noting that a new chip within the ball shows when it is touched, giving more concrete evidence to the referee’s final decision in such a crucial time of the match. This was the 10th goal overruled by VAR thus far in the World Cup.

GABRIEL MARTINELLI’S 96TH-MINUTE GOAL RESCUES BRAZIL FROM JAPAN UPSET IN WORLD CUP ROUND OF 32

So, with the goal annulled, Croatia’s time at the tournament has ended. As a result, Croatian legend Luka Modrić is finishing his fifth World Cup, which will likely be the 40-year-old midfielder’s final one.

But another older legend on the pitch will move on, as Cristiano Ronaldo made some World Cup history during this match.

When No. 7 stepped foot on the pitch and the ball was kicked, he became the oldest player to participate in a knockout stage match at the World Cup at 41 years and 147 days old. He also became the oldest player to score in a knockout stage match when he saw a penalty situation while Portugal was down 1-0 in the match.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia at Toronto Stadium on July 2, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Patrick Smith – FIFA)

Ivan Perisic got the first goal of this game and put Portugal’s back against the wall. But after a foul was committed inside Croatia’s box in the 67th minute, it was time for Ronaldo to get his first career knockout goal, and he didn’t disappoint.

Ronaldo was ecstatic, sprinting toward the corner flag and performing his signature “SIU!” celebration, which the crowd bellowed with the score at 1-1. Ronaldo had also seemed to get that first knockout goal just minutes earlier but he was called offside.

Modrić and Ronaldo, two former teammates on Real Madrid, also made history together, as they were the first two players 40 years or older to play in the same match together.

Luka Modric of Croatia congratulates Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal after the 2-1 win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia at Toronto Stadium on July 2, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

It was also an emotional moment after the match, as Ronaldo wore the jersey of late Portugal teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident a year ago. A team photo was taken on the pitch, with Ronaldo holding up Jota’s jersey alongside his squad.

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Now that the job is done in the Round of 32 for Portugal, they face a big challenge against a key rival in the Round of 16.

Spain, who dominated Austria with a 3-0 finish earlier on Thursday, awaits Portugal at Dallas Stadium on July 6 at 3 p.m. ET.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

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LIVE: Gilas Pilipinas vs New Zealand – Fiba qualifiers

Published

1 hour ago

3 July 2026

NewsAdmin

LIVE UPDATES: Gilas Pilipinas opens its Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers third window campaign against New Zealand in Auckland.

Gilas Pilipinas, already qualified for the second round, opens its Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers third window campaign against New Zealand in an away game.

SCHEDULE: Gilas Pilipinas at Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers – third window

July 3, Friday – Auckland

3pm (PH time) – Gilas Pilipinas vs New Zealand

LIVE UPDATES: Gilas Pilipinas vs New Zealand – Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers

Shea Ili fouled by Carl Tamayo. He makes both freethrows. 87-85 lead for New Zealand.
Dwight Ramos 2 freethrows. Gilas ties at 85-all 3:46 in OT.
Sam Waardenburg first to score in OT as New Zealand takes the lead, 85-83.
NOT COUNTED! We got into overtime.
Referees reviewing the final attempt is counted.
3 attempts at the basket in New Zealand’s final possession, looks like the final attempt beat the clock.
Juan Gomez de Liaño stops and pops and makes a bigtime 3! Tied game at 83-all, 11.9 seconds left.
Shea Ili makes 2 freethrows. New Zealand holding on to an 83-80 lead. 21.5 seconds to go.
Dwight Ramos fouls Shea Ili.
Justin Brownlee loses the ball. 24.7 seconds left.
But he only makes 2nd of the crucial freethrows. Gilas still down 81-80.
Kevin Quiambao with the steal and he gets foiled! 30.4 seconds to go.
After a review, New Zealand gets the ball. 38.8 seconds left.
Tense moments. Dwight Ramos fouled. 41 seconds left. But New Zealand not yet in penatly.
Gilas turnover. Tai Webster converts. New Zealand with the lead anew, 81-79, 45 seconds left.
Tai Webster ties the game for New Zealand, 79-all. 1:24 left.
Kevin Quiambao pulls up and gives Gilas the lead back, 79-77, 2:52 left.
Sam Waardenburg 2 freethrows. New Zealand ties the game at 77.
Carlin Davison completes a slam off a Gilas turnover. Gilas lead quickly down to 2, 77-75. 4:19 to play.
But Reuben Te Rangi quickly answers with a wide-open 3. Gilas lead down to four, 77-73.
Dwight Ramos gets the bounce with the 3. 77-70 for Gilas.
Reuben Te Rangi with the putback. Gilas still leads 74-70.
Kevin Quiambao for 3! Gilas Pilipinas now leads by 6, 74-68. 5:52 left.
AJ Edu splits the freethrows. 71-68 for Gilas Pilipinas.
Jordan Ngatai also called for an unsportsmanlike foul with after an elbow on AJ Edu’s face.
RJ Abarrientos with a bank shot. Gilas up again, 70-68.
Shea Ili split as New Zealands ties, 68-68.
Carl Tamayo spin move. Gilas back in the lead, 68-67. 8:20 left.
Dwight Ramos and Reuben Te Rangi trade baskets. 67-66, New Zealand.
Shea Ili puts New Zealand back in front, 65-64.
Last 10 minutes.
END OF THIRD QUARTER: Gilas Pilipinas 64, New Zealand 63.
Sam Waardenburg killer 3 to end the quarter.
AJ Edu splits his freethrows.
Filipino fans in Auckland making themselves heard with Gilas Pilipinas chants.
Juan Gomez de Liaño for 3! And Gilas Pilipinas takes the lead, 63-30. 46 seconds left.
RJ Abarrientos 2 freethrows. 60-all, 1:18 3rd quarter.
Mike Phillips floater! Gilas Pilipinas within two, 60-58. 1:38 3rd quarter.
Kevin Quiambao with a baseline floater. Gilas down by four, 60-56.
Mike Phillips, though, misses both freebies. Gilas Pilipinas gets possession.
Tohi Smith-Milner called for an unsportsmanlike foul on Mike Phillips.
New Zealand makes the Filipinos pay as Tohi Smith-Milner shoots another 3. Kiwis lead, 57-54. 2:45 3rd quarter.
Gilas couldn’t convert in the possesion.
Two freethrows for Dwight Ramos. Gilas Pilipinas within 3, 57-54. 3:57, 3rd quarter.
Dwight Ramos floater! Gilas still trails 57-52.
Taylor Britt quickly answers with a baseline drive. New Zealand leads 57-50.
AJ Edu 2 freethrows. Gilas brings down the lead to 5, 55-50.
Much needed 3 from Juan Gomez de Liano. Gilaas still down 55-48. 5:23, 3rd quarter.
Carl Tamayo underneath. New Zealand 55, Gilas Pilipinas 45.
Shea Ili with another 3. New Zealand’s 3-point shooting hurting Gilas here. Kiwis lead 55-43.
Dwight Ramos for 2. Gilas still down by nine, 52-43.
Sam Mennenga follows up his split with a 3. Biggest lead for New Zealand at 52-41, 7:47 3rd quarter.
Justin Brownlee still scoreless and now with 3 personal fouls.
Sam Mennenga finishes on the break. New Zealand leads 48-41.
Carl Tamayo also scores again. Gilas still down by five, 46-41.
Quick 2 for New Zealand courtesy of Shea Ili.
Third quarter underway.
Justin Brownlee still scoreless in 12 minutes of action off the bench.
Carl Tamayo leads Gilas Pilipinas in scoring with 11, Kevin Quiambao has 10.
END OF SECOND QUARTER: New Zealand 44, Gilas Pilipinas 39.
Final possession Gilas, but AJ Edu misses the attempt.
Tai Webster two freethrows. 44-39, New Zealand. 4.6 seconds left.
Dwight Ramos floater. Gilas still down by 3, 42-39. 20 seconds left.
Abarrientos misses a wide open left corner 3. New Zealand back with the ball.
RJ Abarrientos off the glass. Gilas down 42-37.
Sam Waardenburg two freethrows. New Zealand leads 42-35, 1:36.
Carl Tamayo hits his third 3! But Tai Webster quickly scores a 3 of his own. 40-35, New Zealand 1:44 second quarter.
Sam Mennenga nifty move. Back to a 5-point lead for NZ, 37-32.
New Zealand lead back to 3 after a Sam Timmins basket. 35-32.
Carl Tamayo attacks. New Zealand 33, Gilas 32. 3:37.
Taine Murray with a stepback jumper to keep the lead for New Zealand.
Gilas Pilipinas muffs chance to take the lead after a miss from Dwight Ramos.
Carl Tamayo for 3! Back to just a one point deficit for Gilas Pilipinas, 30-31. 4:43, second.
Taylor Britt takes advantage and scores 2. 31-27 for New Zealand.
Carl Tamayo and Mike Phillips with misses down low. New Zealand gets the ball back.
Juan Gomez de Lian with the fastbreak alley-oop. Gilas still down 29-27.
AJ Edu fouled on the rebound.
Couple of empty possessions for both teams.
Reuben Te Rangi ends Gilas run with a 3. New Zealand leads 29-25. 7:18 second quarter.
Carl Tamayo called for a travel as he attempts a basket.
Quiambao already with eight points off the bench.
Another 3 from KQ! Gilas Pilipinas down by just one, 26-25; 8:46, second quarter.
Jordan Ngatai quick answer for New Zealand.
Kevin Quiambao for 3! Gilas down by two, 24-22.
Tai Webster troops to the line again. He goes 1-2. 24-19 New Zealand lead.
KQ with a floater to start things off for Gilas in the second quarter. Still a 23-19 lead for New Zealand.
Second quarter underway.
END OF FIRST QUARTER: New Zealand 23, Gilas Pilipinas 17.
Juan Gomez de Liaño underneath! He gets the foul too and makes the freethrow. Gilas still down by four, 21-17, 27.3 first quarter.
Brownlee steal but AJ Edu with a bad pass. New Zealand possession again.
Mike Phillips and AJ Edu on the floor now for Gilas.
Gomez de Liaño another basket, but New Zealand quickly answers with a Reuben Te Rangi and- one.
Tohi Smith-Milner for 3 for New Zealand’s third 3 in the first. 18-12 lead for Kiwis.
JGDL with his first two. New Zealand still leads, 15-12.
Tai Webster. 2 freethrows. 15-10, New Zealand lead.
Instant offense from KQ. Gilas Pilipinas still down by 3, 13-10.
Juan Gomez de Liaño, Kevin Quiambao check in.
Brownlee steal, then he’s fouled.
But NZ knocks down another 3, courtesy of Reuben Te Rangi. 13-8 lead for the Kiwis.
Troy Rosario underneath. Gilas within two, 10-8.
Dwight Ramos splits his freethrows. Gilas down 10-6. 5:51, first quarter.
Justin Brownlee on the floor for Gilas.
New Zealand forces a turnover and Sam Waardenburg finishes. 10-5, New Zealand.
Sam Waardenburg knocks down a 3 as New Zealand retakes the lead, 8-5. 6:26, first quarter.
Shea Ili ties the game at 5-5.
Dwight Ramos scores his first 2. 5-3, Gilas Pilipinas. 7:39, first quarter.
Carl Tamayo with a 3! Gilas takes an early 3-2 lead.
Empty first possession for Gilas Pilipinas.
Shea Ili opens the scoring for New Zealand.
Gilas Pilipinas starting 5: RJ Abarrientos, June Mar Fajardo, Troy Rosario, Dwight Ramos and Carl Tamayo. No Justin Brownlee.
New Zealand players perform their routine pre-game Haka.
Players on the floor for the national anthems.

Refresh this page for updates.

Gilas Pilipinas Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers vs New Zealand

Gilas Pilipinas battles New Zealand in Auckland on Friday, looking to conquer the Boomers on their home floor for the Filipinos to have some sort of slack heading into the next window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

The Filipinos will be looking to avenge a 69-66 loss the last time they tangled with the Kiwis, and a win would give them some breather heading into the next round where formidable Middle Eastern teams like Iran and Jordan await.

“If we don’t win one of these next two games, then we’re going to have a very small margin of error as we move forward to the next round,” Cone had said during one of their practices prior to departure.

This game will be held at Spark Arena, before the Filipinos fly to Australia for a match with the Boomers, who manhandled them the last time.

“It’s almost like we’re going to [need to] sweep the next round, and that’s really difficult with high-quality teams like Iran, Jordan,” added Cone in explaining the consequences of two losses this week.

FILE– Gilas Pilipinas RJ Abarrientos during a send off match ahead of the Philippines’ campaign in Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers third window. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas rolled past the Franklin Bulls, 94-66, on Tuesday to complete a sweep of the two-game series against New Zealand clubs before the third window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Coach Tim Cone elected not to use Justin Brownlee anew while also resting Mike Phillips, but that hardly mattered as Gilas pulled away in the second half to rout the Bulls at Franklin Pool and Leisure in Pukekohe.

The win came two days after Gilas blew out the Manawatu Jets, 92-71, in North Palmerston.

The exhibitions served as tuneups before the Philippines resumes its qualifying campaign against host New Zealand on Friday.

Gilas also takes on Australia in Perth on Monday to conclude the first round of qualification.

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2026 MLB All-Star Game: Predicting the starting lineups for the Midsummer Classic

Published

2 hours ago

3 July 2026

NewsAdmin

Voting has now closed in Phase 2 of the balloting for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia on July 14. There were two finalists at each position (six outfielders) that advanced based on the vote totals from Phase 1. Also, the top vote-getter in each league ran unopposed here, so Ernie Clement of the Blue Jays is the American League’s starter at second base while Shohei Ohtani starts at DH for the National League.

We’ll find out the full list of starters on Saturday, though we won’t know the lineup until the Monday before the game. Still, we can make predictions here.

Who will emerge as the starters? Let’s project both starting lineups before detailing each positional battle.

American League starting lineup

Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Royals
Mike Trout, CF, Angels
Yordan Alvarez, DH, Astros
Junior Caminero, 3B, Rays
Cody Bellinger, LF, Yankees
Byron Buxton, RF, Twins
Shea Langeliers, C, Athletics
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B, Blue Jays
Ernie Clement, 2B, Blue Jays

Aaron Judge is going to be injured well through the break. Trout might be, too, but he also might make it back. We’ll replace Judge with Bellinger and leave Trout in there. Let’s hope he makes it. He hasn’t played in an All-Star Game since 2019.

Starting pitcher: Cam Schlittler, Yankees

National League starting lineup

Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF, Cubs
Shohei Ohtani, DH, Dodgers
Andy Pages, RF, Dodgers
Freddie Freeman, 1B, Dodgers
Max Muncy, 3B, Dodgers
Brandon Marsh, LF, Phillies
Drake Baldwin, C, Braves
Mookie Betts, SS, Dodgers
Ozzie Albies, 2B, Braves

Ronald Acuña Jr. is out with an injury and it doesn’t seem like he’ll make it back in time. We need a replacement, so I went with Crow-Armstrong, who leads MLB position players in WAR and is on pace for his second straight 30-30 season.

Starting pitcher: Cristopher Sanchez, Phillies

American League position battles

First base: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays) vs. Ben Rice (Yankees)

Something that hangs heavily over Phase 2 of the voting is how strongly Blue Jays fans stuffed the ballot box in phase one. Toronto players are all over the place here. That very well could carry over, but there’s also the possibility that this inspires backlash from other fan bases, causing them to vote for the non-Jays. I also wonder if enough Jays fans are frustrated with Guerrero and jumped ship? Still, Guerrero nearly doubled Rice’s vote totals in Phase 1.

Prediction: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Second base: Ernie Clement (Blue Jays)

The 30-year-old Clement surprisingly led all American League players with 3,232,932 votes in Phase 1 to earn a starting spot in his first All-Star Game.

Third base: Junior Caminero (Rays) vs. Kazuma Okamoto (Blue Jays)

Caminero should win this thing easily. He’s got an OPS of nearly 200 points better than Okamoto, for example, and he’s one of the brightest young stars in baseball. Okamoto got more votes in Phase 1, but it was really close, and I’ll say the backlash against Blue Jays ballot-stuffing carries the correct choice.

Prediction: Junior Caminero

Shortstop: Andrés Giménez (Blue Jays) vs. Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals)

Giménez doesn’t belong in the All-Star Game and Witt is arguably the best player in the AL, if not all of baseball (non-Ohtani division). I fear for the Jays stuffing here, but I’ll say sanity wins out, especially since Witt got nearly a million more votes in Phase 1.

Prediction: Bobby Witt Jr.

Catcher: Alejandro Kirk (Blue Jays) vs. Shea Langeliers (Athletics)

Similar sentiment here, but Langeliers doesn’t have nearly the same name recognition, fame or even talent as Witt. Kirk has only played in 19 games to date and has hit very poorly. Fortunately, Langeliers got significantly more votes in Phase 1.

Prediction: Shea Langeliers

Outfield

Cody Bellinger (Yankees)
Byron Buxton (Twins)
Aaron Judge (Yankees)
Jesús Sánchez (Blue Jays)
Mike Trout (Angels)
Daulton Varsho (Blue Jays)

Judge, Trout and Buxton were the top three in Phase 1 and have the most name recognition. Trout and Judge are surely safe while Buxton had less than 200,000 votes over Bellinger, so that spot seems like it might be in play. I’ll say it sticks to the status quo, though.

Prediction: Byron Buxton, Aaron Judge, Mike Trout

DH: Yordan Alvarez (Astros) vs. George Springer (Blue Jays)

Alvarez absolutely dwarfed Springer in voting in Phase 1 and is having the much better year. He’ll hold it.

Prediction: Yordan Alvarez

Starting pitcher: Cam Schlittler (Yankees)

The kid was great in the second half last season, had a historic playoff outing and now leads the AL with a 2.08 ERA in 18 starts. He’s been a godsend for a rotation that started the year with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon on the IL and then sent Max Fried there later.

National League position battles

First base: Freddie Freeman (Dodgers) vs. Matt Olson (Braves)

Olson is having a great year, but Freeman is on a total tear at the plate for the two-time defending champion Dodgers, a team with a massive fan base. The future Hall of Famer led by a pretty decent margin in Phase 1 and gets the nod here.

Prediction: Freddie Freeman

Second base: Ozzie Albies (Braves) vs. Bryson Stott (Phillies)

This was awfully close in Phase 1 and neither had a gaudy vote total. Albies is the correct choice, but I wonder about the motivation levels of the respective fan bases here with the Braves’ recent poor play and the Phillies’ surge. I’ll say Stott is held off, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins.

Prediction: Ozzie Albies

Third base: Max Muncy (Dodgers) vs. Alec Bohm (Phillies)

Muncy had more than double Bohm’s votes in Phase 1 and I’m not sure why things would change this time around.

Prediction: Max Muncy

Shortstop: CJ Abrams (Nationals) vs. Mookie Betts (Dodgers)

Abrams is having a much better year overall, but Betts has the MVP, rings and Hall of Fame pedigree, not to mention the Dodgers fan base behind him. Abrams got more votes in the first round, but Betts has gotten hot at the plate and might see a surge in votes. I’ll take him.

Prediction: Mookie Betts

Catcher: Drake Baldwin (Braves) vs. Will Smith (Dodgers)

First off, it’s insane to me that MLB puts the catcher below the infielders on the ballot. It even goes in “scoring” order with shortstop (6 on a scorecard) coming after third base (5), so why is catcher (2) behind? Ridiculous.

Anyway, sorry for the tangent. Baldwin led Smith by a decently hefty margin in phase one. He’s currently in a major funk at the plate, but I feel like he’s gonna take this round again. Maybe I’m only saying this due to predicting three Dodgers so far. I’m not sure. It’ll be close here.

Prediction: Drake Baldwin

Outfield

Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves)
Michael Harris II (Braves)
Teoscar Hernández (Dodgers)
Brandon Marsh (Phillies)
Andy Pages (Dodgers)
Juan Soto (Mets)

Believe it or not, Soto — easily one of the most famous and recognizable stars in MLB and playing in a megamarket — ranked fifth here in Phase 1. With the Mets’ season seeming more and more lost by the day, it sure seems like he’ll get squeezed out. Pages led in Phase 1 and should be a cinch to get in, given who he plays for and how good he’s been. Similar sentiment applies to Marsh (second) and Acuña (third).

Prediction: Ronald Acuña Jr., Brandon Marsh, Andy Pages

Designated hitter: Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers)

As the NL’s leading vote-getter with 3,341,257 votes, Ohtani has already earned his place in the starting lineup as he makes his sixth consecutive All-Star Game appearance.

Starting pitcher: Cristopher Sanchez, Phillies

Two things work in favor of Sanchez. First off, the game is in Philadelphia and it seems likely that NL manager Dave Roberts would give bonus points for picking a starter to pitch at home. Secondly, the other tippy-top tier candidate (in a loaded field, mind you) is Jacob Misiorowski and he’s currently scheduled to pitch the Sunday before the All-Star Game, taking him out of the mix. Sanchez is a worthy pick regardless of these two items. They were simply the clinchers in what is a tough decision.

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World Cup 2026: Portugal knock out Croatia and will face Spain

Published

2 hours ago

3 July 2026

NewsAdmin

These Round of 32 matches are definitely full of twists. Portugal came back from 1-0 down to beat Croatia in Toronto. Goncalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time winner after Cristiano Ronaldo had earlier equalised from the penalty spot.