FIFA World Cup 2026: Vozinha, Cabo Verde’s remarkable tournament debu…

Miami [US], July 4 (ANI): Cabo Verde and their goalkeeper Vozinha concluded a memorable FIFA World Cup debut after going down to defending champions Argentina 3-2 in a valiantly contested match at Miami on Friday.

Cabo Verde’s World Cup campaign was a winless one, yet another massive example of why statistics cannot always do justice. A goalless draw against defending champions Spain, draws against Saudi Arabia and former champions Uruguay earned them a historic round of 32 berth, which was the least expected thing in fans’ minds. Then in their round of 32 clash against Messi-led Argentina, they took the game to the extra time, keeping things level at 2-2 before an unfortunate own goal from Diney Borges gave the defending champions a slot in the round of 16. likesport.biz

The defending champions found their biggest on-field and off-field superstar in their 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha. Despite his social media fan following skyrocketing during the tournament, the veteran did not seem to soak in this dopamine-boosting distraction at all, continuing to produce sensational saves throughout the tournament. Seven saves came against the Euro champions Spain, while he saved a total of eight saves for Argentina (as per ESPN FC), the biggest match of his match.

Vozinha made a total of 18 saves in this tournament; the only goalies aged 40 or older to register more saves at a single WC are Peter Shilton (28 in 1990 for England) and Dino Zoff (27 in 1982 for Italy), as per OptaJoe.

Only Paraguay’s Orlando Gill (19), and Curacao’s Ely Room (20) made more saves than him during the tournament.

Cabo Verde played out unbeaten against three world champion teams, the 2010 champions and third-ranked Spain, the 19th-ranked two-time champions Uruguay and now the second-placed, defending champions Argentina, showcasing that they do belong to the biggest of the stages.

In all, they scored four goals, conceded five, drew three matches and lost one. Coming to the match, Cabo Verde, making their first appearance in the World Cup knockout stages, started brightly and tested Argentina early through Ryan Mendes before the South American giants gradually asserted control.

The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Lionel Messi produced a moment of brilliance, controlling Lisandro Martinez’s diagonal pass before firing into the roof of the net. The strike marked his seventh goal of the tournament, taking him to the top of the Golden Boot standings.

Argentina looked comfortable before halftime, but Cabo Verde returned with renewed intensity after the break. Their persistence paid off just before the hour mark when Mendes released Deroy Duarte, who finished confidently from a tight angle to score his country’s first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage goal and level the contest.

Despite creating several chances, Argentina were repeatedly denied by veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, whose outstanding saves from Messi kept the scores level and forced the match into extra time.

Argentina restored their advantage almost immediately after extra time began as Lisandro Martinez converted from close range following a corner in the 92nd minute. Yet Cabo Verde refused to back down, with Sidny Lopes Cabral producing a stunning curling effort in the 103rd minute from a tight angle to make it 2-2 once again.

The decisive moment came in the second half of extra time when Messi’s corner was met by Romero, whose powerful header took a slight deflection off Diney Borges before finding the back of the net in the 111th minute.

Cabo Verde nearly forced penalties late on, but Emiliano Martinez produced a vital save to deny Lopes Cabral’s powerful free-kick and secure Argentina’s progress.

Argentina will now face Egypt in the Round of 16, while Cabo Verde exit the tournament after earning widespread praise for their debut World Cup campaign. (ANI)

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India bowling coach Morne Morkel on Friday said they will not displace openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma easily despite teen phenom Vaibhav Sooryavanshi knocking on the team’s door.

“We need to respect the fact that we had our No. 1 batter in T20 cricket, Abhishek Sharma. Sanju was the player of the World Cup. So, it’s only fair to show faith. Yes, there’s a young man knocking on the door and it’s exciting. But I reckon not just for those two, but the rest of the group, it’s a good sign to show that we back you guys,” Morkel said on the eve of the second T20I against England here.

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Shreyas Iyer will be hoping to register his first win as India’s new T20I captain when the Men in Blues lock horns with Harry Brook’s England in the 2nd of a 5-match T20 series at the iconic Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester. Both the teams will be hoping to go 1-0 ahead after the 1st game got abandoned due to continuous rain right after the conclusion of the 1st innings.

India had posted a commendable total of 189 in the 1st T20I at Durham where conditions got a bit tricky due to the stop-start showers. The reigning World T20 champions were coming on the back of a 2-0 series whitewash in Ireland but they made a very good recovery at Chester-Le-Street, especially with the bat.

Abhishek Sharma, who was replaced by Ishan Kishan from the summit of the ICC T20I batting rankings before the 1st T20I, was the standout performer along with Shreyas Iyer, who desperately needed to have some runs under the belt.

Also Read: India Vs England, 2nd T20I Preview: When, where and how to watch? Check full Live Streaming details

While Abhishek smashed 59 off 24, Shreyas scored a calm and composed 47-ball 68 to lay the foundation. Shivam Dube also came in handy with his quickfire 42 but there were also some reasons to worry.

India’s 2026 T20 World Cup hero Sanju Samson, who was also adjudged as Player of the tournament, continued his dismal run of form as he got out while playing a loose shot for just 1 run. Vice-captain Tilak Varma, regarded as a finisher, scored a run-a-ball 13 and if it wasn’t for these two, then the Indians could have posted a 200 or 200+ total.

The current team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, does not like to drop anyone on the basis of a few matches but the only change we could see, which the fans are also hoping for, is Sanju Samson’s exclusion for the much anticipated debut of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

The teenage batting sensation has been warming the bench since joining the senior team for the European tour but he is getting valuable exposure at the nets with the big guns. Even if Sooryavanshi doesn’t play today, his senior debut is inevitable.

England, on the other hand, has welcomed back Jofra Archer into their playing XI with Josh Tongue also set for his white-ball debut. The Three Lions have made no changes to their batting.

IND Vs ENG, 2nd T20I: Old Trafford Ground Pitch Report

Expect a cool, clear evening at Old Trafford with temperatures around 16°C. Humidity levels will remain low, and there is zero chance of rain. Strong crosswinds might affect the ball’s trajectory, but fans can look forward to a full, uninterrupted 20-over game.

BASF has partnered with India Rising: Road to EWC as a ‘Powered By’ Sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to engaging with the next generation of talent, innovators and creators. This collaboration aligns with one of India’s fastest-growing platforms at the intersection of gaming, esports and youth culture.

India Rising: Road To EWC 2026

This association reflects BASF’s continued focus on connecting with young talent who are shaping the future through technology, creativity, entrepreneurship and digital innovation. As industries undergo rapid transformation and emerging technologies transform the way people learn, work and collaborate, BASF is committed to fostering meaningful conversations around innovation, skills development and future-ready careers.

Having been a key partner in India’s progress for over 130 years, BASF has played a significant role in advancing innovation across industries while investing in research, education and talent development initiatives that help prepare young people for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Through initiatives such as ChemAmaze and collaborations with organizations such as the Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC) under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, BASF is fostering curiosity for chemistry through gamified learning experiences, inspiring young minds to explore science from an early age.

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India Rising: Road to EWC serves as India’s pathway to the Esports World Cup 2026 and brings together competitive gaming, creator-led entertainment, fan experiences and youth culture under a single platform. The initiative creates opportunities for aspiring players and creators while fostering communities built around collaboration, problem-solving, innovation and performance.

As gaming and esports continue to evolve into mainstream technology and digital ecosystems, they are increasingly becoming spaces where young people develop skills such as strategic thinking, teamwork, adaptability and leadership, that will continue to shape the workforce of the future.

Alexander Gerding, Managing Director, BASF India Limited & Head – BASF Group Companies in India, said, “At BASF, innovation starts with people. We are excited to partner with India Rising: Road to EWC, which brings together a generation of young individuals who are shaping the future through technology, creativity and digital innovation. As gaming and esports continue to evolve into platforms for learning, collaboration and skill development, they are creating new opportunities for young people to develop the capabilities needed for tomorrow’s world. Through this partnership, we are keen to champion the next generation of esports talent in India and support a platform that brings together passion, technology and performance at scale.”

Charlie Cowdrey, CEO, JioBLAST, said: “One of the most exciting developments in gaming today is its ability to bring together communities built around technology, creativity, learning and innovation. Beyond competition, these platforms are helping shape the skills and mindsets that will define the next generation of leaders, creators and problem-solvers. BASF’s association reflects a shared belief in the potential of young people and the importance of creating environments where talent can thrive. We are delighted to welcome BASF to India Rising as we continue building pathways that connect Indian talent and communities with opportunities on the global stage.”

Through the partnership, BASF seeks to strengthen its engagement with digitally native audiences while showcasing its commitment to innovation, collaboration and sustainable transformation. The initiative also supports BASF’s efforts to build awareness of the diverse opportunities available within science, technology and innovation-led industries among future talent.

India Rising: Road to EWC will culminate in a live gaming and youth culture festival in Mumbai on July 4, bringing together leading esports teams, creators, chess stars and fans from across the country. The event will celebrate the convergence of technology, entertainment, innovation and youth culture while strengthening India’s connection with the global esports ecosystem.

The post BASF Partners with India Rising: Road to EWC to Engage India’s Next Generation of Talent appeared first on Inside Sport India.

Jhon Arias' early goal propelled Colombia to a 1-0 victory over Ghana, securing their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. Despite an early injury to Jhon Córdoba, Colombia dominated, with Luis Suárez providing the assist for Arias' decisive strike. Colombia's strong defensive performance and attacking flair have positioned them as serious contenders, setting up a clash with Switzerland next.