Sports

Russia 2018 World Cup: Uruguay Send Ronaldo’s Portugal Out 2 – 1

Published

8 years ago

July 1, 2018

Eric

Two goals – one in each half from Edinson Cavani — gave Uruguay a 2-1 win over Portugal. Even though the Uruguayans conceded for the first time in the 2018 World Cup, they march to the quarterfinal against France.

This could be the end of Cristiano Ronaldo, who at 33, must know he can not get his hands on the biggest football prize anymore and he still failed to score in the second round of the FIFA World Cup.

Uruguay were ahead as early as the seventh minute when Cavani and Luis Suarez exchanged passes from one end of the pitch to the other.

Suarez shimmied and produced a lovely cross right unto Cavani’s shoulder cum head and his effort eluded Rui Patricio for the opening goal. That was Suárez’s 12th assist for Cavani in his 44 goals for Uruguay.

Ronaldo almost had a chance at goal on 20 minutes but a timely clearance by Gimenez six yards was enough to keep Ronaldo at bay. Suarez made Patricio produce a one-handed save from a free kick in the 22nd minute.

Uruguay were quite comfortable, keeping the Portuguese at bay in the first half with constant running and tackling from Lucas Torreira, Matias Vecino, and Nahitan Nandez.

Portugal were level as from a short corner worked to Raphael Guerreiro in the 55th minute as Ronaldo took Godin away. It was a towering header from an unmarked Pepe – his sixth for his country.

Then the experienced defender had a head in gifting Uruguay the winner on 62 minutes. Bentancur got the ball off an errant header from Pepe and ran at the defence before picking out Cavani, who finished with a sumptuous curling shot.

Cristhian Stuani came on for Cavani, who was helped off the pitch by Ronaldo. Portugal’s captain then picked up the only yellow card of the match when he got in the face of Mexican referee, César Arturo Ramos Palazuelos in the fourth minute of added time.

On the same day, Ronaldo and Lionel Messi exited the World Cup without having ever scored in the second round of the competition.

Sports

Tinubu Hails Rangers Int’l After 9th NPFL Title Win

Published

4 weeks ago

May 26, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Rangers International FC on winning the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, describing the club’s triumph as a remarkable achievement and a testament to its enduring football legacy.

Rangers secured the league crown for a record ninth time after finishing the season with 68 points from 38 matches, ahead of closest rivals Rivers United.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu congratulated the management, players and supporters of the Enugu-based side for their successful campaign.

The President recalled the club’s dominance in Nigerian football during the 1970s and 1980s, highlighting its historic exploits on the continental stage.

He specifically referenced Rangers’ run to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1975 and their triumph in the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977.

President Tinubu also commended Governor Peter Mbah for supporting youth and sports development in the State, saying the club’s success reflected the impact of such investments.

“I must also congratulate Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on the victory of Rangers International FC. This victory is an obvious fruit of his administration’s investments in youth and sports in the state. I commend him,” the President said.

He further noted that Rangers, as one of Nigeria’s oldest football clubs, has produced several players who brought honour to the country on the global stage.

The President equally commended Rivers United for their impressive performance throughout the season and for displaying sportsmanship during the competition.

Tinubu wished both Rangers International FC and Rivers United success as they prepare to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League.

Sports

Ronaldo Celebrates Saudi Pro League Win with Al-Nassr

Published

1 month ago

May 22, 2026

Eric

Al Nassr captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has finally won the Saudi Pro League title.

They were confirmed champions on Thursday, thanks to a 4-2 drubbing of relegation battlers, Damac.

The title race had gone down to the final day after Al-Nassr dramatically dropped points against Al-Hilal the previous week.

Jorge Jesus’ side knew there could be no mistakes against a Damac side fighting for survival at the other end of the table.

Ronaldo was on the scoresheet, as his brace helped Al Nassr secure the title ahead of rivals Al Hilal.

Sports

FIFA Lists Six Females Among 52 Referees for 2026 World Cup

Published

2 months ago

April 10, 2026

Eric

FIFA on Thursday unveiled its list of match officials for the June 11-July 19 World Cup, including 52 referees, six of whom are women.

Football’s governing body will also take 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials, who hail from all six confederations and 50 member associations.

“The selected match officials are the very best in the world,” said Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s chief refereeing officer.

“They were part of a wider pool of officials that was identified and monitored over the past three years. They have attended seminars and officiated at FIFA tournaments.

“In addition, their performances in domestic and international matches were regularly assessed.”

The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be the biggest in history, with a 48-team line-up and 104 matches to be played.

There are 41 more match officials than at Qatar four years ago, where 32 teams played 64 matches.

“The fact that six women match officials have been selected continues a trend that was started four years ago in Qatar as we aim to further develop women’s refereeing,” Collina said, with six women having already refereed in 2022.

AFP