Spain Dominates Austria in Los Angeles
Spain delivered a strong performance, securing a 3-0 victory against Austria in Los Angeles. This win has led to speculation that Spain is regaining the form seen two years ago when they won the Euros. Coach Luis de la Fuente emphasized that this performance should serve as a foundation for future matches. The team’s next challenge is against Portugal in Dallas on July 6.
Spain maintained 65 percent possession and did not allow a single shot on target during the match. Mikel Oyarzabal, who has remained with Real Sociedad in San Sebastian, was noted for his contribution. Coach de la Fuente remains undefeated in major tournament knockout games, suggesting a growing momentum for Spain in the tournament. Some observers believe Spain could be a team capable of challenging France if both progress to the semi-finals, particularly due to their ability to maintain possession.
Portugal Secures Victory Against Croatia in Toronto
In a closely contested match in Toronto, Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal in a World Cup knockout stage during this game, an equalizer from the penalty spot. Despite his goal, Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute by coach Roberto Martinez, a decision that led to Goncalo Ramos scoring the winning goal with a header from a Rafa Leao cross.
This match marked a significant moment for Luka Modric, whose World Cup career may have concluded with Croatia‘s defeat. Croatia‘s coach, Zlatko Dalic, expressed regret over the outcome, acknowledging Modric‘s continued quality and leadership. Modric, a Ballon d’Or winner in 2018, previously led Croatia to the final in 2018 and the semi-finals four years later.
Ronaldo‘s goal was his first knockout stage goal in his sixth World Cup. He had an earlier goal disallowed for offside. The match was also emotionally charged for Ronaldo, who celebrated with Diogo Jota‘s old jersey, honouring the anniversary of Jota‘s and his brother Andre Silva‘s deaths.
Switzerland Advances After Defeating Algeria in Vancouver
Switzerland became the third European nation to progress from Thursday’s games, securing a 2-0 win against Algeria in Vancouver. Goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye in each half ensured their advancement. Switzerland will remain in Vancouver for their next match on July 7, where they will face either Colombia or Ghana.
Johan Manzambi, a midfielder for Switzerland, has been a notable player in the tournament. Playing out wide due to the presence of Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler in central midfield, Manzambi has made a significant impact. He contributed to Embolo‘s goal against Algeria by driving into the penalty box and setting up the tap-in. Manzambi‘s versatility was also evident in a previous match where he played as a more advanced midfielder.
Meanwhile, in other news, U.S. men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino disagreed with the red card issued to striker Folarin Balogun. However, former USMNT coach Bruce Arena supported the decision, stating that intent does not negate the danger of the play. Arena noted that the foul was a dangerous play that could have resulted in a serious injury, and that VAR review likely confirmed the red card decision.
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Source: nytimes.com
