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Pittsburgh is twin city after Penguins draft Markus Ruck in 2nd round after Liam in 1st
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Born eight minutes earlier than his twin brother Liam, Marcus Ruck is fine with ceding NHL draft bragging rights.
All that mattered to Ruck on Saturday was being selected with the 39th pick in the second round by Pittsburghin following his brother, who was drafted 22nd overall by the Penguins a day earlier.
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“He can brag to me all he wants. I’m just so happy to be with him. I know he won’t brag, but if he wanted to, he could,” Ruck said. “To be with him, it’s so special.”
The twins are from Osoyoos, British Columbia, and spent the past two-plus seasons as one of the Western Hockey League’s most productive tandems in Medicine Hat. Marcus led the WHL with 108 points last season, while Liam, a right wing, finished second with 104 points.
Liam was projected to go first, and when the Penguins chose him, Markus began looking ahead to No. 39, Pittsburgh’s next turn to pick.
“I didn’t have a preference of when, I just knew where I wanted to go and who I wanted be with,” he said, noting his brother kept his spirits up overnight. “He kept me calm and told me it was going to happen. So for it to happen it’s awesome.”
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The Ruck’s reunion was part of a family theme in a draft that had Caleb Malhotra going third to Vancouver, where his dad was just hired as the Canucks head coach.
The Calgary Flames opened the third round by selecting WHL Vancouver forward Joe Iginla. He’s the youngest son of Hall of Famer and longtime Flames star Jarome Iginla, and his selection came after older brother Tij went No. 6 to Utah in the 2024 draft.
Rogowski picks hockey over baseball
Whatever doubts Brooks Rogowski had in choosing hockey over baseball quickly evaporated following the first pick in the second round of the NHL draft.
The 18-year-old from Livonia, Michigan, had taken his seat with his family on the draft floor, when NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly announced Rogowski had been selected at No. 33 by the Vancouver Canucks.
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“You sit down for five minutes and you’re standing back up. So that was nice not having to sit a while,” Rogowski said. “But the relief was immediate. You hear your name called and all the stresses just kind of fall off you. It’s great, it’s been awesome.”
And the selection validates the choice the 6-foot-7, 235-pound Rogowski made two years ago. In picking hockey, after being drafted by the OHL Oshawa Generals, he put baseball behind him — and to the regret of his father and uncle, who both enjoyed minor-league baseball careers.
His father, Casey, was drafted by the Chicago White Sox and his uncle, Ryan, drafted by the Dodgers.
“Obviously they’re still sad about baseball, but I think this was the right decision,” Rogowski said. “You know, get to wear a nice jersey, so I think that they’re more than happy with that.”
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Rogowski has made a commitment to play at Michigan State in two years, and appreciates he still has plenty of room to develop after focusing more on baseball than hockey growing up.
“I have a lot more to improve,” he said. “You have a lot of these guys who have been doing this for a long time. I’m still relatively new to it, and I think there’s a lot more to me that needs to come out.”
His trajectory is pointing up. As a rookie, Rogowski had 11 goals and 23 points in 66 games with Oshawa, and built on that with 42 points (15 goals) in 46 games last season.
Not bad for the former first baseman.
“Exactly. It’s very different,” Rogowski said comparing the two sports. “I have always been a decent hockey player, but I think the rapid growth, I can attribute to athletic ability.”
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A day after pop icon Justin Bieber took the stage to announce the Toronto Maple Leafs taking Penn State forward Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 pick, there were several notable highlights over the final six rounds on Saturday.
The second round featured just 31 selections with the Vegas Golden Knights forfeiting their 63rd pick after being sanctioned by the league for violating media regulations. Former Vegas coach John Tortorella was also fined $100,000 for refusing to speak to reporters following a second-round-series-clinching Game 6 victory at Anaheim.
Another notable selection came at No. 40, when the Florida Panthers used their first pick of the draft on right winger Simas Ignatavicius. Though born in Memphis, he relocated with his family to their native Lithuania, a nation that by his count has four hockey rinks.
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Though his father played basketball, Ignatavicius was drawn to hockey at age 3 while watching a practice at a rink inside a shopping mall. Six years ago, the 18-year-old moved to Switzerland to develop his skills.
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England remain en route – and not just in terms of a hard-fought first place that may yet take them through to the Azteca.
There’s also the way they toiled to confirm it. Thomas Tuchel’s side were again dependent on Jude Bellingham, a set-piece and a record-breaking Harry Kane. The captain became England’s record World Cup goalscorer, with an 11th that ultimately sealed a 2-0 win over Panama.
It isn’t so much football that people in the pub enjoy any more, mind, but one coming out of the more prosaic parts of coaching seminars – at least elevated by Bellingham’s ingenuity.
And if one increasing worry is how England have suddenly stopped creating space around the opposition area, they are offering up a lot around their own.
It gives Tuchel two huge issues to solve, now this World Cup finally gets serious. A last-32 tie against either Senegal or Democratic Republic of the Congo in Atlanta now awaits.
They’re going to have to do a lot of tactical work in between. This is suddenly a team that looks like it has gaps in many areas, especially defence and – for now – midfield. England missed Declan Rice against a resolute Panama. The links weren’t there, with Kane again marked out of the game until the first goal, and even Elliot Anderson more exposed.
Panama were successfully finding openings at one end, and staying solid at the other.
This is of course why Tuchel felt the need to rest Rice in the first place: because they’re going to badly need him. He’s arguably less replaceable than Kane, and even now Reece James.
There is nevertheless one other theory about that approach, and even the concerns that came from this win. Tuchel’s idea increasingly looks like one built for the transitions that will be more apparent in games against the elite sides.
Hence how Kane is so central, and not just as a goalscorer, but also the way his raking balls are intended to release pace out wide. England may enjoy much more of that against sides who seek to control a match.
That might totally stand to reason given the one thing that is now always said is that the real test is how England do against the first proper team they play, but the toughest challenge for now might be getting that far.
Tuchel’s side have now toiled in two matches where they were expected to be in full command. And, yes, they had most of the control but couldn’t really embellish it or take it on with any combinations.
That was where the worry was. If Tuchel has talked enthusiastically about building an intense attack that gets people excited with forwards coming from everywhere, there was none of that here. By contrast, so many attacks broke down with the wrong pass or a bad option.
As early as the 15th second, Tuchel was berating his captain for arching one of those passes straight out of play.
Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford, back in the starting line-up, couldn’t properly link up with those around them. Rashford at least offered England the urgency they needed, and it was his runs that at least increased the intensity before Bellingham’s game-breaking goal.
Before that, Bellingham himself had looked frustrated, and Morgan Rogers – in for Rice but playing as the 10 – actually couldn’t get into the game.
Ezri Konsa was again exposed.
A central issue, so to speak, might be the one at right-back. With Jarell Quansah in for Reece James, over Djed Spence, England just didn’t have any mobility. They were so flat.
So, they sought to curl in a set piece. On 62 minutes, Saka hit one of his corners, and there was Bellingham to finish. The surprise was that it wasn’t a header. Maybe it couldn’t be against this Panama defence.
Because, after a long period where Thomas Christiansen’s side looked so physically imposing at the back – and much stronger than England – they were suddenly undercut. There was almost an incongruity to how Bellingham deftly turned the ball in on the spin, after so many battles.
It was the little touch of quality that was required. With Panama’s gameplan rumbled, Kane headed in Bellingham’s own cross moments later. Some momentum was back, even if it was never close to the feeling of that 15 minutes against Croatia.
Whether England can regain it may actually depend on the opposition they face.
Maybe that’s why the more leaden nature of these performances isn’t a worry.
Maybe that’s what it’s all building to.
But that’s if they get that far. Because, before then – and a prospective quarter-final against Brazil in Miami – it’s going to be more of this.
England are suddenly built for games that they have to really battle to actually get to.
They stay en route, but it all looks more difficult to navigate than had been anticipated.
Jan 28, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Novak Djokovic of Serbia in action against Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the quarterfinals of the menís singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images What we’re going to learn at the All England Club over the next two weeks is just how badly two-time Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz is missed. That wrist injury is preventing Alcaraz from the chance at sailing to another major victory.
Jannik Sinner (-165 to win the tournament) is the defending champion and the top seed but he’s not in top form. He wilted in the second round of the French Open due to the heat (it will be hot in London, too) and lost in the semifinals of the Australian Open earlier this year. This could be a year in which you see multiple underdogs advancing to the quarterfinals or deeper.
Does seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic (+600) have one last run in him? The 39-year-old Djokovic is the No. 7 seed and on the same side of the draw as Sinner. No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev (+900) is fresh off the Roland Garros crown and none of the No. 3-6 seeds pack betting confidence – Felix Auger-Aliassime (+6500), Ben Shelton (+1600), Alex de Minaur (+6500) and Taylor Fritz (+2000).
Wimbledon 2026 betting pick
Djokovic (+150) is the favorite of his 32-player section to reach the semifinals with Auger-Aliassime (+500), Joao Fonseca (+700) and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (+750) next in line. The last of Djokovic’s Wimbledon titles came in 2022 against Nick Kyrgios. He lost in the final in 2023 and 2024 to Alcaraz. No Alcaraz means he has a real chance at recording No. 8 if his fitness holds up.
Sinner (-475 to reach the semis) reached the title match of all four Grand Slam tournaments in 2025, winning two and losing two. He surely wants to rebound from his poor French Open showing. Another help is his 32-player section is weak with Daniil Medvedev (+850) and Tommy Paul (+900) ranking as his biggest competition. Casper Ruud (+4000), who is better on clay than grass, also is part of the section.
The pressure is off Zverev after winning his first Grand Slam crown but is he mentally and physically to make another strong run just more than one month later? He’s never even made a quarterfinal run at Wimbledon and lost in the first round last season.
Novak Djokovic to win Wimbledon, +600 (DraftKings)
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Any chance seven-time Wimbledon champ Pete Sampras is capable of returning to the sport a la Serena Williams? Not a single American has won Wimbledon since Sampras won No. 7 in 2000. That’s an embarrassing drought. Andy Roddick reached the title match three times (2004, 2005, 2009) and lost to Roger Federer on each occasion.
Shelton reached the quarterfinals last year. He’s the favorite in his 32-player section with de Minaur (+550), a guy who has reached the quarterfinals in seven Grand Slams, and 20-year-old Jakub Mensik (+600) as next in line. The path is there if Shelton is ready.
Taylor Fritz (+350) and Frances Tiafoe (+650) are in the same 32-player section as Zverev (+200) and are both playing in their 40th major tournament without a title. Fritz reached the semis last year and is 10-5 all-time against Zverev but was bounced in the first round of the French Open. Tiafoe has only reached the fourth round at Wimbledon once. Count ‘Big Foe’ as an early departure candidate. We’ll pass on any American player to win the tournament, +600 (DraftKings)
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You never know when early upsets will blow a draw open and we only need to look back to the French Open to see one example. While Zverev and Auger-Aliassime were high seeds, the other six to advance to the quarterfinals were Matteo Arnaldi, Matteo Berrettini, Flavio Cobolli, Joao Fonseca, Rafael Jodar and Mensik. Zverev defeated Cobolli in the title match. Cobolli (+1600 to reach semifinals) is a good player to watch as he has more confidence than at any other point in his career. Cobolli reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals last season, which was his best major showing prior to the run in Paris. He’s in the Shelton 32-player quarter, which is ripe for a surprise run.
Ugo Humbert (+1400) is the type of long shot to watch and he’s also in the Shelton portion. He reached the semifinals at the Queen’s Club last week before falling to Paul and he has reached the final of this week’s tourney at Eastbourne (he will face Zizou Bergs for the title on Saturday and the two will meet again Tuesday in Wimbledon’s first round. The problem? He’s never advanced past the fourth round of a major.
Flavio Cobolli to reach semifinals, +1600 (DraftKings)
Long shot to the Final Four
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Sugar Ray Leonard believes one of his fellow Four Kings was more intimidating than even Mike Tyson, who terrorised the heavyweight division in his early 20s.
The most physically imposing king was surely Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hearns, who somehow squeezed his 6ft 1in frame down to 147lbs when he collided with Leonard in 1981.
Back then, Sugar Ray claimed a hard-fought 14th-round stoppage before boxing to a controversial draw in their super-middleweight rematch in 1989.
Just over two years earlier, the American had arrived at another contentious result against Marvin Hagler, this time edging their middleweight encounter by split decision.
But while Hearns and Hagler posed enormous threats, Leonard was ultimately most intimidated when he faced Roberto Duran in 1980.
The Panamanian joined the welterweight scene after becoming a world champion at 135lbs, where he dethroned Ken Buchanan with a controversial 13th-round stoppage in 1972.
Even as an undersized contender at 147lbs, Duran was considered a dangerous puncher but was made a sizable underdog against Leonard, who had just scored back-to-back stoppages over Wilfred Benitez and Dave ‘Boy’ Green.
It then came as a major upset when the skilled technician lost a unanimous decision to ‘Hands of Stone’, whose tenacity proved a decisive factor.
Reflecting on their rivalry, Leonard admitted in a resurfaced interview that there was an element of fear attached to his WBC title defence.
“Roberto Duran – he was more intimidating than Mike Tyson. I hate that motherf**ker.”
Despite the manner in which their first encounter unfolded, Leonard ultimately made the necessary adjustments and won their immediate rematch via an eighth-round stoppage.
England play one of the eight best third-placed teams, but the distribution of the fixtures depends on which groups provide the qualifiers.
After it was confirmed Ghana had qualified as third in group L, it meant England had only two possible opponents – third place in group K or Senegal.
If DR Congo beat Uzbekistan in their final group K match at 00:30 BST on Sunday, England will play the third-placed team in that group.
That is almost certain to be DR Congo, bar a scenario whereby Portugal lose with a goal difference swing of seven between the teams. Then England would play Portugal.
If DR Congo draw or lose then England will play Senegal.
The knockout path is now set for England through to the quarters.
After DR Congo or Senegal, they would play the winners of Mexico or Ecuador in the last 16 in Mexico City on 5 July.
The potential quarter-final would be in Miami in 11 July against Brazil, Japan, Ivory Coast or Norway.
Cape Verde’s remarkable FIFA World Cup journey continued on Saturday morning as the Blue Sharks secured a historic place in the Round of 32 with a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia.
The African debutants finished second in Group H with three points, ahead of two-time world champions Uruguay and 2034 World Cup hosts Saudi Arabia. Their reward is a mouth-watering clash against defending champions Argentina on July 3 in Miami.
Here are some of the key lessons from Cape Verde’s historic achievement:
Cape Verde have proved they belong on the world stage
Few gave Cape Verde a chance of progressing from a group that included Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. However, the Blue Sharks defied expectations by remaining unbeaten in all three matches.
They drew against Spain, held Uruguay and secured the point they needed against Saudi Arabia, showing that organisation, discipline and belief can compete with football’s biggest names.
Bubista’s tactical discipline has been crucial
Head coach Bubista deserves enormous credit for building a team capable of frustrating stronger opponents while remaining dangerous on the counter-attack.
Against Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde created the better opportunities. Willy Semedo tested goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais early on, while Kevin Pina and Laros Duarte both came close to finding the winning goal.
The team’s defensive structure and tactical awareness have been among the biggest reasons behind their success.
Small nations can still dream big
With a population of around 525,000 people, Cape Verde have become one of the biggest stories of the tournament.
Their qualification reminds the football world that success is not always determined by population size, financial power or historical achievements. The Blue Sharks have shown that unity, organisation and determination can overcome the odds.
African football continues to make history
Cape Verde have become the first African nation making its World Cup debut to progress beyond the group stage since Ghana achieved the feat in 2006.
They are also the third African debutants to remain unbeaten during the group stage, underlining the growing competitiveness of African football on the global stage.
Argentina cannot afford to underestimate them
The celebrations among the Cape Verde players after the final whistle, as they gathered around a phone to follow the conclusion of Spain’s victory over Uruguay, reflected just how much this achievement means.
However, their fairytale journey is far from over. Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will be overwhelming favourites in the Round of 32, but Cape Verde have already shown they fear nobody.
If the Blue Sharks have taught the football world anything at this tournament, it is that writing them off is a dangerous mistake.
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World Cup 2026 golden boot standings and latest odds including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe
The race for the golden boot at World Cup 2026 is hurtling towards an epic contest during the knockout stage after Cristiano Ronaldo made an emphatic statement to silence the critics, joining Lionel Messi, Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in the race.
The stars continue to dominate at this tournament, none more so than Messi after backing up a hat-trick against Algeria with a double against Austria to highlight one of his greatest traits after a penalty miss.
Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland followed the Argentine with doubles of their own on a dramatic day at the World Cup, with the France captain enduring nearly a two hour delay due to adverse weather.
But after a dismal first outing had many questioning whether he was hampering Portugal’s World Cup hopes, Ronaldo hit a superb brace against Uzbekistan to prove his worth and put himself in contention for the accolade.
Vinicius Jr also stamped his mark with a brace against Scotland while Ousmane Dembele hit a superb hat-trick against Norway to throw his hat in the ring, though Kane failed to add to his opening brace against Croatia as he missed a late sitter against Ghana.
If players are tied for goals, the number of assists will determine who ranks higher. If there is still a tie, it comes down to minutes played and the goals-per-minute ratio. Here are the latest 2026 World Cup golden boot standings:
World Cup golden boot standings
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 5 goals
2. Kylian Mbappe (France), 4 goals, (2 assists)
= 3. Ousmane Dembele (France), 4 goals (1 assist)
= 3. Vinicius Jr (Brazil), 4 goals (1 assist)
5. Erling Haaland (Norway), 4 goals
6. Deniz Undav (Germany), 3 goals (2 assists)
= 7. Johan Manzambi (Switzerland), 3 goals (1 assist)
= 7. Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), 3 goals (1 assist)
= 9. Jonathan David (Canada), 3 goals
= 9. Ismael Saibari (Morocco), 3 goals
= 9. Matheus Cunha (Brazil), 3 goals
= 9. Brian Brobbey (Netherlands), 3 goals
= 9. Elijah Just (New Zealand), 3 goals
= 9. Harry Kane (England), 3 goals
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Will Cristiano Ronaldo be playing today against Colombia? Latest injury update on Portugal captain | Football News
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start for Portugal in their decisive final Group K fixture against Colombia as the two nations prepare to meet for the first time in senior men’s international football. With top spot in the group still undecided, Portugal captain Ronaldo and Colombia playmaker James Rodríguez expected to headline one of the most anticipated matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage.Colombia enter the contest on six points after winning both of their opening matches and have already secured a place in the Round of 32. Portugal, meanwhile, sit on four points following a draw with DR Congo and a commanding victory over Uzbekistan. Roberto Martínez’s side must win in Miami to overtake Colombia and finish as Group K winners, while a draw or Colombian victory would see Los Cafeteros remain top of the standings.
Ronaldo ready to lead Portugal once again
There is no doubt surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability.Portugal manager Roberto Martínez has confirmed that 41-year-old captain Cristiano Ronaldo is fully fit and named in the starting XI to face Colombia. Ronaldo was also seen arriving at the Miami stadium ahead of kick-off, a strong indication of his readiness to lead the side.Ronaldo heads into the match in excellent form after bouncing back from criticism following Portugal’s disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo.Having failed to score in the opening match, the veteran responded emphatically with a first-half brace in Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. The performance not only helped Portugal all but secure qualification for the knockout rounds but also saw Ronaldo become the first player in football history to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.The victory also marked his first major tournament goal from open play since UEFA Euro 2020, while his emotional “I’m back” celebration reflected his response to suggestions from critics that he should retire or be dropped from the starting lineup.Ronaldo also completed the full 90 minutes against Uzbekistan without any signs of physical fatigue, reinforcing Martínez’s confidence that his captain is ready for another demanding assignment.Saturday’s match will be Ronaldo’s 25th World Cup appearance and his 23rd start at football’s biggest tournament. After starting each of his first 20 World Cup matches, he came off the bench twice during the 2022 edition before returning to the starting lineup in every Portugal match at this tournament.
James Rodríguez continues to orchestrate Colombia
Portugal’s biggest challenge is expected to come from Colombia captain James Rodríguez, who has been the creative heartbeat of Néstor Lorenzo’s side throughout the group stage.The experienced midfielder started both of Colombia’s victories, playing 72 minutes during the 3-1 win over Uzbekistan before completing 58 minutes against DR Congo in a controlled 1-0 victory, where he was withdrawn after helping establish Colombia’s advantage.James has dictated Colombia’s attacking rhythm throughout the tournament and is again expected to start as the South Americans chase a third consecutive victory.Colombia opened their campaign with an impressive 3-1 win over Uzbekistan before defeating DR Congo courtesy of Daniel Muñoz’s 75th-minute winner, results that secured qualification before the final round of group matches.
First meeting carries major knockout implications
Although Portugal and Colombia are both established names in international football, tonight marks the first senior men’s international meeting between the two countries.The occasion has generated enormous interest, with reports suggesting that more than five million ticket applications were submitted for the match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.The stakes extend well beyond simple qualification.Portugal know only victory will be enough to leapfrog Colombia into first place and potentially earn a more favourable Round of 32 draw. Any other result leaves Colombia as Group K winners after an outstanding group-stage campaign.For Roberto Martínez, the selection of Ronaldo underlines the importance Portugal place on winning the group rather than merely progressing.With Ronaldo arriving in confidence after another record-breaking performance and James Rodríguez continuing to conduct Colombia’s attack with his customary composure, the tournament’s first-ever meeting between the two nations promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the final round of group-stage matches.
TORONTO — If it feels like every Toronto Blue Jays game of late has been the same, well, it’s because that’s the truth.
Each of the three games in this series against the Texas Rangers has followed the same blueprint: Blue Jays starting pitcher puts team in early hole, offence tries to climb back, injects the crowd with hope, yet ultimately fails.
Kevin Gausman struggled on Thursday while rotation mate Patrick Corbin did the same the next day. On Saturday, it was right-hander Dylan Cease’s turn, and the song remained the same in what was a 7-4 loss to the Rangers in front of 41,657 at Rogers Centre that stretched the Blue Jays’ losing streak to five games.
Cease struck out the first two batters he faced and, for a moment, it looked like things were going to change. He then promptly issued three walks with a single as the Rangers opened the scoring.
The right-hander managed to settle down over the next three frames, but in the fifth, he struggled again, allowing a walk and two singles before being removed for left-hander Mason Fluharty, who allowed the inherited runners to score.
In total, Cease’s final line was an unflattering four runs on four hits over 4.1 frames, with five walks and 10 strikeouts.
He threw 107 pitches and continued a troubling trend of short, inefficient outings from the Blue Jays’ rotation. Amazingly, Toronto starters have pitched at least six innings only five times in June. That’s led to an unsustainable workload for a bullpen that ranks fourth in MLB with 354 innings pitched.
Meanwhile, down by six runs, the Blue Jays’ offence rallied with home runs from Yohendrick Pinango and Alejandro Kirk that energized the crowd. As well, corner infielder Sean Keys — called up from triple-A on Saturday along with Pinango, with Davis Schnieder sent to Buffalo and Jesus Sanchez to the 10-day injured list with a right ankle sprain — notched a single in his major-league debut.
The comeback fell short, however, and up next is Sunday’s series finale, with Shane Bieber toeing the rubber against Rangers’ right-hander Kumar Rocker as the Blue Jays search for a rewrite to the familiar script.
First place in the 2026 World Cup Group K standings is on the line when Colombia battle Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal on Saturday. Colombia, 11th in the FIFA rankings, need a win or draw to finish on top of the group, while a Portugal victory gives the 8th-ranked FIFA team the top spot. Colombia, who did not qualify for the 2022 World Cup, reached the Round of 16 in 2018. Portugal, meanwhile, placed eighth in 2022 after reaching the quarterfinals.
Kickoff for Colombia vs. Portugal is 7:30 p.m. ET from Miami Gardens, Fla. The latest Colombia vs. Portugal odds from FanDuel Sportsbook list Portugal at -105 (risk $105 to win $100) on the 90-minute money line, with Colombia at +250 and a draw at +280. The over/under for total goals is 2.5, with the Over priced at -140. Ronaldo has the lowest odds for anytime goal scorer at +360.
Before locking in any Portugal vs. Colombia picks or World Cup 2026 predictions, check out the Colombia vs. Portugal predictions from SportsLine’s Jon Eimer.
Eimer is a high-volume bettor who has vast knowledge of leagues and players across the globe. Since joining SportsLine, he has covered the English Premier League, Champions League, Serie A, the FA Cup, and much more. He’s been red-hot on his soccer betting picks in 2026, posting a 31-13-2 record and returning over $1,200 of profit on his Champions League picks. He’s also off to a fast start in the World Cup, entering Saturday on an 25-13-2 run on WC picks (+587). Anyone wanting to follow his World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could see big returns.
Now, Eimer has studied Colombia vs. Portugal and just revealed his 2026 World Cup picks and betting predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are several World Cup odds and soccer betting lines for Portugal vs. Colombia:
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Colombia vs. Portugal 90-minute money line |
Portugal -105, Colombia +250, Draw +280 |
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Colombia vs. Portugal over/under: |
2.5 goals |
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Colombia vs. Portugal spread: |
Portugal -1.5 (+265) |
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Colombia vs. Portugal streaming: |
Fubo (Try for free) |
Top Colombia vs. Portugal predictions
After examining Colombia vs. Portugal from every angle, Eimer is leaning Over 2.5 total goals (-140). Both sides have proven they can find the back of the net. Colombia have scored nine goals over their past four matches, including three goals twice in that span. Portugal have scored 10 goals in their last four matches, which includes a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan on Tuesday.
He expects Colombia’s offensive prowess continues, which will force Portugal to try to follow suit. “This Portugal side was able to get some confidence back after their 5-0 beatdown over Uzbekistan, and will be desperate to pick up three points and top the group. Colombia have shown already in this competition they’re struggling to play defense with Uzbekistan breaking their backline, and DR Congo, even though they didn’t score, finding chances. Even though Colombia only needs a draw, I don’t see them being able to sit back for 90 minutes, and they’ll be forced to a position where they need to push back.” See Eimer’s best bets for Colombia vs. Portugal at SportsLine, and you can bet the Over in Portugal vs. Colombia at FanDuel here:
How to make Colombia vs. Portugal picks
After studying the Colombia vs. Portugal matchup from every angle, Eimer has found a critical x-factor and locked in four best bets that all return plus money. You can head to SportsLine to see what they are.
So what are the best bets for Portugal vs. Colombia? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for Colombia vs. Portugal, all from expert on a 25-13 roll on World Cup picks, and find out.
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Recruiting boost: A top 5 prep receiver in California just picked BYU over the likes of Utah, Ohio State, UCLA and Oregon
A day after receiving the bitter news that four-star athlete Bode Sparrow had chosen Oklahoma over them in a decision that the Davis High star said was razor-close, BYU’s football coaches got some news Saturday afternoon that will erase that crushing disappointment.
Rising senior receiver Blake Wong, a four-star recruit and the No. 3 rated receiver in California, committed to play for BYU during a live stream on 247Sports from his high school in Norco, California.
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Wong picked the Cougars over four other big-time finalists: Ohio State, UCLA, Oregon and Utah.
Wong, 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, is a much-needed boost to BYU coach Kalani Sitake’s recruiting efforts, and the athlete of Chinese-American ethnicity becomes the ninth member of the 2027 recruiting class to commit to BYU.
He is expected to sign with BYU when the December signing period begins in a little less than six months.
I really wanted to see the full culture, and see how I fit in with the players, and what the whole program and organization represents.
Blake Wong on visiting five different colleges
“For the next three to four years, I will be committed to BYU,” Wong said as he picked a BYU cap off the table, surrounded by family members. Wong is a member of the faith that supports BYU, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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“BYU is the choice just because how much of the culture I fit in, and the way Kalani is, and Fesi (Sitake) is, as a head coach and a position coach for me,” Wong said. “I really fit in well with them, and also the early opportunities I have (to play) there.”
Wong caught 84 passes for 1,470 yards and 20 touchdowns in 10 games last fall as a junior, soaring up recruiting boards after one of the most productive seasons in the history of his high school. He’s one of the top 50 receivers nationally in the class of 2027.
Wong said the fact that BYU made him its No. 1 receiver priority also played into his decision to choose Provo.
“Just seeing how much belief they have in me to make an impact, and how much they care, and how much they value who I am (was impressive),” he said. “They care about me not just as a player, but as a person.”
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Wong attended the same high school as a freshman as BYU’s Bear and Tiger Bachmeier, Murrieta Valley High in Southern California.
He said the Cougars are getting “just a great person overall (who is) coming to make an impact, whether it’s off the field or on the field.”
Wong visited Utah first, then UCLA. He visited BYU on June 15 and June 16, then concluded his trips with visits to Oregon and Ohio State.
“I really wanted to see the full culture, and see how I fit in with the players, and what the whole program and organization represents,” he said.
Wong thanked his high school coaches and teammates, his family and Heavenly Father for helping him get where he is today.
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“Without Him, I am nothing,” he said. “And my coaches and my family, I am with them every day, and I work hard with them. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. They help give me motivation every day.”
Ranked last in the Big 12 in 2027 football recruiting by 247Sports and other sites when the day began, BYU almost certainly will jump in the national team rankings.
Recruiting expert Casey Lundquist of Cougs Daily on the Sports Illustrated online network said Wong’s commitment could jumpstart a BYU run over the course of the next two weeks.
“While BYU’s class certainly would have been better with Sparrow on board, and BYU doesn’t have the luxury of finding another top 100 prospect to take his spot, I wouldn’t panic quite yet,” Lundquist said Friday after Sparrow picked Oklahoma.
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“A lot of BYU’s top prospects are still on the board, and there’s a long time before signing day.”
Also Saturday, three-star athlete Peyton Higginson of Salem Hills High in Utah County told the Deseret News that he has narrowed his three finalists to BYU, Michigan and Utah State.
Higginson said he will likely made a decision in the middle of next week, or the week following the 4th of July holiday weekend.
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