Man Utd may need another signing in midfield and Chelsea might have pointed the way with an unexpected move for another Premier League player.

While Manchester United are waiting to find out the full extent of Manuel Ugarte’s knee ligament injury, it looks certain that Michael Carrick will be without him for the majority of next season as he looks to reshape his midfield.

Ugarte could have been sold this summer to fund a third midfield arrival, but that option is now off the table and United might have to head back to the drawing board in the centre of the pitch.

They continue to work on a deal for Mateus Fernandes, but if they reach an agreement with West Ham, who will need to lower their £85million asking price first, they will still be heading into next season with a young, relatively inexperienced midfield.

It could be that Fernandes partners Kobbie Mainoo, but that would put together two 21-year-olds in the centre of the pitch. United have agreed a deal to sign Ederson, who turns 27 next month, but he hasn’t played in the Premier League before.

Beyond that, Mason Mount played in a deeper role towards the end of last season, but has had injury issues during his Old Trafford career, while 19-year-old Tyler Fletcher is probably next cab off the rank from the academy.

Given those options, United will almost certainly feel they need a third midfielder for a season that sees them competing on four fronts and looks more likely to feature 60 games than the 40 they have just played. The question is how they go about that.

They will receive around £6.4million in compensation from FIFA for Ugarte’s injury, as it occurred during the World Cup, but that won’t go far. United could look for a loan move as a short-term option, but the players available for that kind of deal would be limited.

Perhaps there is a solution within the Premier League. Chelsea have had an £8million bid for Granit Xhaka rejected by Sunderland, with the 33-year-old reportedly keen to reunite with his former Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso.

Xhaka enjoyed a sensational season with the Black Cats and remains an excellent Premier League midfielder. He could slot into one of those two deep roles in United’s midfield and bring leadership to what could be a young group of midfielders.

He was Sunderland’s captain last season and played in all but four of their Premier League games, helping to drive the club to an unexpected seventh-place finish. When he was fit, he played almost every minute for the club.

Alonso is keen to have Xhaka with him again after praising his leadership at Leverkusen, and that is an area United might need to look at this summer, with Casemiro’s departure leaving a void in that department, especially in the middle of the pitch.

A deal for Xhaka might not excite supporters, but it could make an awful lot of sense now that United must do without Ugarte, who can’t play for the club, but can’t be sold either.

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Manchester United’s summer transfer window is well underway with Michael Carrick’s first full season as manager looming

Michael Carrick has fewer than two months until his first complete campaign as Manchester United manager gets underway. And the club will undoubtedly support him in the summer transfer market.

Under Carrick’s leadership, United’s squad is set for significant changes this summer. Casemiro’s exit has already created a void that requires addressing. Brazilian midfielder Ederson will partially fill this gap, with his arrival scheduled following a medical in early July.

However, another of United’s summer objectives has been derailed. Manuel Ugarte was anticipated to be offloaded, but he sustained a serious knee injury while representing Uruguay at World Cup 2026.

A summer departure now appears improbable, though United will still be entitled to substantial compensation for this injury as the Manchester Evening News examines the latest transfer developments from Old Trafford.

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Manuel Ugarte compensation

Ugarte picked up a serious knee injury during Uruguay’s final group stage encounter against Spain in Guadalajara shortly before the interval. He was stretchered off in tears as his nation suffered a 1-0 defeat and were eliminated.

Early evaluations suggest this is a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, potentially ruling him out for approximately 9 to 12 months. While the injury hampers United’s summer transfer strategy, it activates a significant financial protection mechanism through FIFA’s Club Protection Programme (CPP).

This scheme functions as a global insurance arrangement intended to shield club sides from the economic strain of compensating players who sustain injuries while on official international duty. FIFA’s policy only becomes active once a player has been ruled out for more than 28 consecutive days owing to an international match incident.

After that 28-day period elapses, FIFA takes on the obligation of covering the player’s basic club wages, worked out at a daily rate until they receive medical clearance to resume full training. The scheme limits coverage at roughly £6.5million per player, per injury, which corresponds to a maximum weekly payment threshold of £120,000.

Since Ugarte’s weekly earnings at Old Trafford stand precisely at that £120k figure, FIFA will essentially cover his complete basic wage throughout his rehabilitation. United will collect approximately £6.5m in reimbursement if he is genuinely absent for the projected timeframe.

Juan Mata becomes owner

Meanwhile, former United player Juan Mata is set to take on an ownership stake at Melbourne Victory, the A-League outfit he presently represents.

The club has formally confirmed that the World Cup winner has committed to becoming a shareholder, with a non-playing role commencing following the conclusion of his playing days.

Mata said: “Australian football has a future I genuinely believe in. From the moment I arrived at Melbourne Victory, I’ve felt the passion of this Club and the potential of the A-Leagues, and I want to be part of building what comes next – not just for a season, but for the long term.

“I have enjoyed so much this past season on the pitch, and committing to Victory as a shareholder is the natural next step. I want to thank everyone associated with the Club and across Australian football for the way they’ve welcomed me.”

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Germany used to own World Cup penalty shootouts. On early Tuesday morning, Paraguay took that piece of history away from them in Boston.

In the biggest upset of the 2026 Fifa World Cup so far, Paraguay beat Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 match, sending the four-time champions out and reaching the Round of 16 for the first time since 2010.

Jose Canale scored the decisive sudden-death penalty after a chaotic shootout in which Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves. For Germany, the defeat was historic and brutal. It was their first World Cup penalty shootout loss, ending a reputation built on decades of cold precision from the spot.

For Paraguay, ranked lower than Germany and beaten 4-1 by the USA in the group stage, it was a night that will sit among their finest World Cup memories.

Paraguay strike first, Germany respond

Germany, ranked 12th in the world, dominated much of the first half at Gillette Stadium but struggled to turn possession into clear chances. Paraguay, ranked 33rd, waited, absorbed pressure and then struck through a moment of German defensive failure.

It was Paraguay’s first goal in the knockout stage of a World Cup. It was also another troubling entry in Germany’s recent defensive record: they have now conceded in 10 consecutive World Cup matches.

Tah’s disallowed goal changes the mood

The match became the first of this World Cup to go to extra time, and Germany thought they had completed the turnaround in the first half of the additional period.

Jonathan Tah headed in what looked like a potentially decisive goal, but referee Jalal Jayed ruled it out after a VAR review. The intervention centred on Waldemar Anton’s contact with Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

The decision left Germany furious. Both coaches were booked in the aftermath, and the debate around the call will linger. In real time, the referee had allowed play to continue and the players were ready for the restart before VAR recommended a review.

Penalty kings lose their crown

Germany had scored each of their previous 15 World Cup penalties before this shootout. They had also won their previous four World Cup penalty shootouts. That aura disappeared quickly.

Gill saved Germany’s first kick from Havertz, and Mauricio scored to give Paraguay the lead. Joshua Kimmich rolled in Germany’s next effort to make it 1-1, before Gustavo Gomez restored Paraguay’s advantage.

Paraguay had a chance to win it, but Antonio Sanabria shot wide. Nadiem Amiri then made it 3-3, before Neuer kept Germany alive by saving from Fabian Balbuena.

The momentum seemed to have turned. Instead, it turned again.

Tah, whose extra-time header had already been disallowed, sent his penalty high over the bar. Canale then stepped up and blasted in the winner, sending Neuer the wrong way and Paraguay into the Round of 16.

A shock by ranking and reputation

This was not just a dramatic knockout result. By ranking gap, it was among the biggest World Cup knockout shocks since the introduction of the Fifa rankings.

Paraguay were ranked 41st before the tournament, while Germany were 10th, making it a 31-place gap. According to the ranking comparison provided, it is the fourth-biggest knockout-stage upset by ranking difference since the 1994 World Cup, the first edition after the introduction of Fifa rankings.

The result is also the first major upset of this World Cup knockout stage because a lower-ranked team knocked out one of the tournament’s traditional heavyweights.

Almiron and Enciso write Paraguay history

Paraguay’s goal had a story behind it.

Almiron had nearly lost his chance to make an impact at this World Cup after being sent off in first-half stoppage time against Turkey for breaching Fifa’s new rule against covering the mouth with a hand or shirt during a heated exchange. The offence was treated as unsporting behaviour rather than a severe verbal offence, and he served a one-match ban in the final group game against Australia.

Had Paraguay been eliminated before this match, that suspension would have ended his tournament. Instead, he returned against Germany and helped create the most important goal of Paraguay’s campaign.

Enciso, too, had almost missed the tournament. The 22-year-old was taken off in distress during the final warm-up friendly against Nicaragua, raising fears of a tournament-ending hamstring injury. He recovered in time and became a livewire against Germany, carrying Paraguay up the pitch in the opening minutes and later heading in the goal that pushed Germany into discomfort.

Nagelsmann’s calls under scrutiny

Julian Nagelsmann made his boldest selection calls of the tournament before kick-off. Musiala was left out of the starting line-up, Deniz Undav came in, and Germany shifted towards something close to a 4-4-2.

The idea was to create more chances and offer better protection when possession was lost. Germany did look more stable for stretches, but only to a point. Their defending remained vulnerable, and Paraguay’s goal was far too easy in construction.

Nagelsmann eventually had to move back towards his more familiar shape. Leon Goretzka replaced Felix Nmecha and brought more physical presence to midfield. Musiala later came on for Undav, who did not make the most of his chance.

The equaliser came from Wirtz and Havertz, with Havertz producing a strong header. But Germany never found enough rhythm or force to put Paraguay away.

The questions will now come hard. Why did Leroy Sane continue to start despite limited output? Should Kimmich have played in midfield? Was the double-six combination of Aleksandar Pavlovic and Nmecha worth persisting with when the side appeared overly technical and short of physical edge?

Germany’s World Cup decline continues

The defeat fits a wider pattern.

When Germany beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2014 World Cup final, they were at the peak of modern tournament football. Since 2002, they had finished second, third, third and then first across four World Cups. Their 7-1 demolition of Brazil in Belo Horizonte in 2014 had become a symbol of ruthless excellence.

Since that triumph, however, their World Cup record has collapsed.

They failed to get out of the group in 2018 after defeats to Mexico and South Korea. They failed again in Qatar in 2022, losing to Japan, drawing with Spain and not beating Costa Rica by enough to advance on goal difference.

This time, they did get out of the group. But a Round of 32 exit against Paraguay, sealed by their first World Cup shootout defeat, will feel every bit as damaging.

What next for Germany and Paraguay

For Germany, the tournament is over and the scrutiny has only begun. The VAR controversy over Tah’s disallowed header will form part of the debate, but it cannot hide the larger problem. Germany did not create enough, did not defend well enough and did not show the authority expected from a side of their stature.

The press, former players and supporters will now examine every choice, from team selection to tactical structure and the direction of Nagelsmann’s project.

For Paraguay, the story moves in the opposite direction. They are into the Round of 16 for the first time since 2010 and have done it by beating Germany at what used to be Germany’s own game.

Gill was the hero of the shootout. Enciso and Almiron made history in regulation. Canale finished the job under sudden-death pressure.

Several Man Utd players will officially leave the club when their contracts expire today.

Six players are set to leave Manchester United today as their contracts expire, including Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who will see his four-year spell at Old Trafford come to an end.

United confirmed in January that the 34-year-old wouldn’t be offered a new deal and would leave when his contract expires. They have since confirmed that left-back Tyrell Malacia and winger Jadon Sancho will also depart the club.

That first-team trio all have contracts that expire on June 30. Casemiro is set to join Inter Miami on a free transfer, while Malacia has been weighing up his options after training abroad this month to keep up his fitness.

Borussia Dortmund are reported to be interested in signing Sancho, who has spent the last two-and-a-half years out on loan, firstly back at Dortmund, then at Chelsea and Aston Villa. He played just 83 games for United in five years after joining for £73million.

Casemiro made 160 appearances for United, winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup and cementing his status as a fan favourite. Malacia suffered cruel luck with injuries during his time at Old Trafford and made only three substitute appearances last season.

As well as that first-team trio, academy players Sonny Aljofree, James Bailey and Malachi Sharpe will also leave United when their contracts expire today.

The Minnesota Vikings recently concluded a busy offseason — even if they didn’t sign as many players from free agency as in 2024 and 2025. Mainly, the club acquired a new quarterback and hired a new general manager.

And with training camp about one month away, VikingsTerritory is here to rank the Top 10 offseason transactions. The list is in ascending order (No. 1 = best offseason transaction).

Kyler Murray’s Bargain Deal Headlines a More Disciplined Vikings Offseason

10. Shoring Up OT with Ryan Van Demark and Caleb Tiernan

Christian Darrisaw’s ACL recovery — that began in October 2024 — hasn’t gone swimmingly, though he’s ready for 2026, alas. Brian O’Neill missed games last year, and his contract is set to expire after this season.

So, Minnesota added Van Demark, one of those guys who could start on many NFL teams, and used the “best player available” philosophy on Tiernan, an OT, in Round 3 a couple of months ago. Tiernan is the compensatory pick from Sam Darnold’s free-agent exit, for those keeping score at home.

If Darrisaw and O’Neill miss time, fans don’t have to dive into the deep end of panic. There are two contingency plans.

9. Pulling CB Charles Demmings Out of Round 5

Demmings has already turned heads as a minicamp scrapper; there’s a chance that you glance at the depth chart a year or two from now and see him penciled in as a starter.

The Vikings haven’t successfully drafted a cornerback of any kind since Trae Waynes or Mackensie Alexander — a decade ago — so one is just destined to succeed at some point. That could be Demmings.

It’s also worth noting that Minnesota’s CB depth behind the starters last year was a guy named Jeff Okudah. Now, it’s Demmings and veteran James Pierre. A change of pace of the best kind on defense.

8. Swinging for the Fences for Boom-or-Bust Caleb Banks

Banks represents the Vikings’ ultimate make-or-break prospect for 2026.

Heading into the draft, Minnesota forlornly needed a clear, undisputed win. The front office had endured too many unproductive draft weekends, too many “maybe next year” prospects, and too many picks that appeared better in theory than in reality.

Naturally (sarcasm), the Vikings then drafted a massive Florida defensive tackle who had sustained two foot injuries in seven months.

That encapsulates the current Banks experience. In January, he was considered a legitimate 1st-Round talent. However, a broken foot at the NFL Combine forced every team to re-evaluate the risk associated with his high upside. Minnesota decided the upside was worth the big gamble.

Banks could become the interior force this defense has lacked for years. Conversely, he could prove to be another painful draft miss if his injuries persist or his skills don’t fully translate. There is no middle ground here; it’s an all-or-nothing proposition.

7. MIN Trims Mediocre Dead Weight at DT

Former Vikings boss Kwesi Adofo-Mensah — more on him in a minute — signed Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in 2025 free agency, two aging defensive tackle solutions that were exciting at the time. Then, they both underachieved in Minnesota. The Vikings did not hunker down and retain mediocre performers; they flipped the script.

Instead of Allen and Hargrave, Minnesota now has Banks and the next guy on this list.

6. DT Domonique Orange the Pick in Round 3

The Vikings have desperately needed a true nose tackle since Linval Joseph left the team six years ago. They found it in Orange, a 3rd-Rounder from Iowa State. So long as Orange can keep veteran Levi Drake Rodriguez at bay this summer at training camp, there’s room for the rookie to start immediately.

Minnesota needed a huge run-stuffer. That’s Orange.

5. No Free Agency Spending Bonanza — Salary Cap Reset

The Vikings adopted a more conservative approach to free agency this year. After aggressive spending in 2024 and 2025, Minnesota exercised significantly more restraint in 2026. The flashier path was certainly an option. Tyler Linderbaum would have generated buzz; Trey Hendrickson would have hyped the fanbase.

Rather, the Vikings prioritized value. Murray signed for a modest contract. Jauan Jennings landed at a reasonable number. The remaining veteran additions followed the same pattern: useful players and manageable salaries.

The approach won’t win any offseason headline contests. Yet, it provides the Vikings with more flexibility, especially next offseason.

Minnesota spent with discipline. For the Vikings, after the past few years, it was a plot twist.

4. James Pierre Added as CB3 Insurance

Pierre tabulated an 86.8 Pro Football Focus grade in 2025. His predecessor in Minnesota, the aforementioned Okudah, logged a 32.8.

That should tell you all you need to know about this CB3 upgrade.

3. Vikings Put Foot Down, Fire Kwesi Adofo-Mensah

Adofo-Mensah’s dismissal was hardly a surprise. His draft record had become a sinful liability, and the Sam Darnold debacle did him no favors. After four largely underwhelming draft classes, the Vikings had a clear rationale for a front office reset.

The timing, though, was weird. Minnesota could have made the move the day after the regular season, immediately entering the general manager market and conducting a standard search. But the Vikings waited until late January, creating a strange four-month limbo period with Rob Brzezinski temporarily in charge.

Perhaps it will all work out in the end, and the plan made more sense internally than it appeared externally. Nevertheless, the calendar made the entire situation jarring.

2. It’s Jauan Jennings at WR3

For a while, signing Jennings seemed like a long shot for Minnesota in free agency.

Initial reports suggested he sought WR2 money, which could easily reach $25 million. At that price point, the Vikings would have had no choice but to pass. Lo and behold, he signed with the Vikings.

Jennings’ actual deal with Minnesota features an $8 million base salary, with incentives that could increase it to $13 million. For a team already featuring Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Jennings provides the Vikings with a gritty, chain-moving WR3 who excels in San Francisco for years.

1. Kyler Murray Signs on the Dotted Line

Murray’s arrival in Minnesota was initially anticipated to be a major hurdle. At the start of the offseason, it seemed the Vikings would need to trade for him or win a bidding war if Arizona ever made him available. Then, the Cardinals simply cut him.

From that point, the process unfolded with surprising speed and minimal drama.

Murray had a few Zoom calls and signed with the Vikings almost instantly. Fans didn’t even get the full soap opera: Murray became available, and the deal was done.

Now, the Vikings have a quarterback with 4,000-yard and 30-touchdown potential on a $1.3 million contract. If he succeeds, it could be the best bargain in American sports. Minnesota also might’ve stumbled into its starting quarterback for the next several seasons.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

The Detroit Lions announced they have released cornerback Terrion Arnold, their 2024 first-round pick, following an arrest last week where he was charged with armed robbery and kidnapping.

This comes after Arnold had his bond set at $1 million on Monday by Hillsborough County Judge Christopher Sabella.

Sabella also added conditions for Arnold, which included no contact with the six co-defendants in the case as well as the witnesses. He also must surrender his passport within 48 hours, and remain confined to his home in Tallahassee, Florida, except when he would be playing, training or traveling with the Lions or making court-related appearances.

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Terrion Arnold of the Detroit Lions runs onto the field before an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, on Nov. 27, 2025. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

The state also asked Judge Sabella for Arnold to be required to wear a GPS tracking device, but Arnold’s attorneys said he wouldn’t be able to play football with it on.

Prosecutors were pushing for Arnold to be held without bond but, though the charges are serious ones in Sabella’s eyes, he didn’t believe the case was strong enough to hold him in that fashion.

The 23-year-old Arnold was arrested in connection with an alleged kidnapping and robbery that investigators say occurred in February, the Tampa Police Department announced on June 25. Arnold turned himself in and was taken into custody at Orient Road Jail in Hillsborough County on Wednesday night.

TERRION ARNOLD, LIONS’ 2024 FIRST-ROUND PICK, CHARGED WITH KIDNAPPING AND ARMED ROBBERY IN FLORIDA

Arnold is charged with four counts of kidnapping and four counts of armed robbery.

Spokespersons for the Lions and the NFL told Fox News Digital they were aware of the situation, but wouldn’t comment any further. Now, the Lions have made their move one month before training camp kicks off across the league.

According to investigators, Arnold rented an Airbnb in Largo, Florida, where he periodically stayed with several co-defendants: Arianna Del Valle, 19; Jasmine Randazzo, 19; Lyndell Hudson II, 26; Christion Williams, 24; Boakai Hilton Jr., 23; and Freddie Hughes, 27. Authorities said other individuals also stayed at the property.

Investigators said three male victims, all in their late teens, suffered visible injuries after they were allegedly battered, held at gunpoint and pistol-whipped before being robbed and ordered to leave a residence in the 14000 block of North 46th Street in Tampa.

Terrion Arnold of the Detroit Lions looks on during the second half of an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., on Sept. 7, 2025. (Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)

According to investigators, multiple personal items belonging to Arnold and others were stolen from the Airbnb on Feb. 1. Authorities said Arnold suspected two of the three victims were responsible, though Tampa police later determined they were not involved in the theft.

On Feb. 3, Arnold, Hilton, Hughes and another individual reported more than $250,000 in stolen property to the Largo Police Department.

Investigators allege that later that day Arnold and Hilton coordinated with Del Valle and Randazzo to contact one of the victims and lure him to an apartment.

Police said the three victims arrived at the apartment on Feb. 4 to meet the women, where Williams and Hudson were allegedly hiding inside a bedroom closet. According to investigators, Williams and Hudson grabbed the victims, held them at gunpoint and assaulted them.

Authorities said Del Valle streamed the incident to Arnold, Hilton and Hughes as they traveled to the apartment. Investigators also said they recovered a group chat involving the defendants in which Arnold and Hilton allegedly gave directions to Del Valle, Williams and Hudson during the assault.

According to investigators, Arnold, Hilton, Hughes and another individual arrived at the apartment around 1 a.m. Police allege Arnold directed the group inside, and that Hughes, Hudson and Williams stole the victims’ personal property while the assault was ongoing.

Authorities said the victims were escorted from the apartment about 40 minutes later, forced into their vehicle and left the scene. They later reported the incident to Tampa police and identified the suspects.

Terrion Arnold of the Detroit Lions lines up before a play during an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich., on Nov. 27, 2025. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

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Investigators said they believe Arnold was the primary organizer of the alleged scheme based on evidence gathered during the investigation. However, Harvey Steinberg, one of Arnold’s attorneys, argued in court that the prosecutors were “not even close” to showing he knew or directed his associates in this incident.

Arnold was expected to be a starting corner for the Lions this season, making his release a big one for the depth chart. He recorded his first career interception this past season in Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings, though he was only able to play eight games because of a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery.

Arnold played 16 games during his rookie season in 2024, tallying 10 passes defended and 60 combined tackles.

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Ex-Japan hero Keisuke Honda has sent a message after his nation bowed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Samurai Blue lost 2-1 to Brazil in the Round of 32 of the tournament (Monday, June 29).

Honda, who represented his nation at three FIFA World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018), bagged four goals and three assists in 10 appearances in the competition. He is the only player from his country to have scored in three different editions of the tournament.

Ahead of the World Cup, the four-time AFC Asian Cup winners were dealt multiple blows with injuries sidelining key players. Forwards Takumi Minamino and Kaoru Mitoma were ruled out of the tournament with ACL and hamstring injuries respectively. Shockingly, erstwhile captain Wataru Endo also announced his international retirement on the eve of the tournament due to a recurring foot injury.

Despite the notable misses, Japan qualified for the Round of 32 after a win against Tunisia and draws against Netherlands and Sweden. In the knockout fixture against Brazil, Kaishu Sano’s long-range strike (29′) was cancelled out by Casemiro’s header (56′). Extra time was looming on the horizon; however, a late defensive error from Ao Tanaka allowed Gabriel Martinelli to capitalize and score the winner (90+6′).

After the heart-breaking defeat, Honda took to social media to send an appreciative message to the fans. On X, the 40-year-old wrote (translated from Japanese):

“Thank you for cheering on the Japan national team.”

The result means that the Asian nation are still yet to win a knockout phase encounter at the FIFA World Cup. Their best results still remain their Round of 16 appearances in the 2002, 2010, 2018 and 2022 editions.

“The gap between us is closing” – Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu makes claim after 2-1 defeat to Brazil in Round of 32 at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu has claimed that the gap between his side and historically dominant sides like Brazil are closing down.

Moriyasu’s team held their own against the five-time FIFA World Cup champions (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002). They broke the Brazilian defense down while attacking and held firm while defending until the late mistake that ended their campaign.

Speaking after the game, the 57-year-old tactician said (via ESPN):

“We were not able to achieve our goal this time but then we can aim for the next World Cup or maybe even one after that. We should work toward that goal, which is what we’ve been doing… I don’t think history would be gentle to us. But if we are to overcome today maybe we will see a time where history will change. The gap between us is closing now. Brazil is a top-tier team and we’re definitely approaching that level.”

In the Round of 16, Brazil will face the winner of the Round of 32 encounter between Cote d’Ivoire and Norway (June 30).