Sports Archives - National Times

16 Jul

Argentina Books Consecutive FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Berth After Dramatic Victory Over England

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingArgentina, FIFA World Cup 2026

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Argentina produced another memorable knockout performance, scoring twice in the closing moments to defeat England 2-1 and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup final. The reigning champions will now have the opportunity to defend their crown against Spain in the tournament's title clash. England looked set to pull off a major upset after Anthony Gordon put his side ahead in the latter stages of the semifinal. With only minutes remaining, the Three Lions appeared to be within touching distance of their first World Cup final in decades. However, Argentina refused to back down. Constant attacking…

15 Jul

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! Clinical Spain Outclass France to Book FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Spot

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingFIFA World Cup 2026, France, Spain

Spain (Rajeev Sharma): Spain delivered another composed performance on the biggest stage, defeating France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final to seal a place in the tournament's final. The victory in Arlington, Texas, underlined Spain's growing dominance over their European rivals, having now defeated France in three successive major knockout encounters. The breakthrough came in the first half when Mikel Oyarzabal confidently converted a penalty after Lamine Yamal was brought down inside the area. Spain maintained control throughout the opening period, dictating possession and preventing France from finding rhythm in attack. France's evening became more complicated when defender…

09 Jul

France Sweat Over Olise Suspension Risk as FIFA Rejects Appeal Before Morocco Showdown

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingFIFA, France

France (Rajeev Sharma): France's preparations for their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Morocco have received an unexpected jolt after FIFA upheld Michael Olise's yellow card from the Round of 16, leaving the winger at risk of missing the next match if booked again. Head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed that the team's attempt to overturn the caution was unsuccessful. The decision means Olise will be available to face Morocco but will head into the high-stakes clash carrying the threat of suspension. The booking came during France's victory over Paraguay after Olise became involved in a late confrontation with Paraguayan midfielder…

07 Jul

FOOTBALL’S NEW POWER STRUGGLE: SPAIN RISE AS RONALDO ERA ENDS IN WORLD CUP 2026 BATTLE

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingFIFA World Cup 2026, Ronaldo

Canada (Rajeev Sharma): The FIFA World Cup 2026 has entered its decisive stage, with football’s biggest nations battling for a place in history. The knockout rounds have delivered dramatic finishes, emotional exits and surprising performances as the race for the trophy intensifies. Spain emerged as one of the biggest winners after defeating Portugal in a thrilling encounter. A late goal from Mikel Merino ended Portugal’s campaign and marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup journey, closing one of football’s greatest international careers. Spain’s combination of young talent, tactical discipline and possession-based football has made them one of the strongest…

07 Jul

Belgium Cruise Past USA to Set Up Spain Clash as Hosts Crash Out of FIFA World Cup 2026

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingBelgium, FIFA World Cup 2026

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Belgium delivered an impressive all-round performance to defeat the United States 4-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, knocking the tournament hosts out of the competition and securing a place in the quarterfinals. The Red Devils looked sharp from the opening whistle, with Charles De Ketelaere emerging as the standout performer. The Belgian midfielder netted two goals and also created another, playing a decisive role in his team's convincing victory. The United States briefly revived hopes after Malik Tillman curled home a superb free kick to restore parity midway through the first half. However,…

07 Jul

Cristiano Ronaldo Bows Out as Spain Edge Portugal in Last-Gasp Thriller to Reach World Cup Quarterfinals

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingCristiano Ronaldo

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable FIFA World Cup journey came to a heartbreaking conclusion after Portugal suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16, ending the veteran forward's final appearance on football's biggest stage. The contest remained evenly balanced for almost the entire 90 minutes before Spain found the decisive breakthrough in stoppage time. Substitute Ferran Torres delivered a perfectly timed pass into the penalty area, allowing fellow substitute Mikel Merino to calmly slot home the winner and send Spain into the quarterfinals. The result ended Portugal's hopes of lifting the World Cup and marked…

06 Jul

Neymar Ends Brazil Career Following World Cup Elimination, Says ‘My Journey Is Complete’

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingNeymar

Brazil (Rajeev Sharma): Brazilian superstar Neymar has confirmed that his time with the national team has come to an end after Brazil's unexpected exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026. The veteran forward made the announcement shortly after the Selecao's 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16, bringing the curtain down on an international career that spanned over 16 years. Speaking after the match, an emotional Neymar acknowledged that he had reached the end of his journey in Brazil's colours. He said he had always given everything whenever he represented the country and believed it was the right…

04 Jul

Argentina Edge Resilient Cape Verde in Extra Time to Keep World Cup Dream Alive

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingArgentina, Cape Verde, FIFA World Cup 2026

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Messi on target as reigning champions survive determined challenge from tournament debutants to reach Round of 16 Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after overcoming a spirited Cape Verde side 3-2 in an enthralling extra-time contest that tested the defending champions until the closing minutes. Lionel Messi once again delivered on the big stage, opening the scoring for Argentina in the first half with another clinical finish. However, Cape Verde refused to back down and matched the South American giants with an inspired performance, forcing the game beyond regulation time. The…

03 Jul

Cristiano Ronaldo Leads Portugal Into Round of 16, Sets New World Cup Record With Historic Goal Against Croatia

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingCristiano Ronaldo

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Cristiano Ronaldo delivered another memorable performance on the global stage, helping Portugal overcome Croatia 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 while setting a new tournament record that further cements his legendary status. The Portugal skipper converted a penalty in the second half to become the oldest footballer ever to score in a men's FIFA World Cup knockout match. The goal was particularly special as it marked the first time Ronaldo has found the net in a World Cup knockout fixture during his illustrious international career. Portugal controlled large portions of the contest but faced…

28 Jun

Lionel Messi Scripts Yet Another World Cup Record, Extends Historic Goal-Scoring Streak

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingLionel Messi

Argentina (Rajeev Sharma): Lionel Messi continues to redefine football greatness, creating yet another World Cup milestone after scoring in his seventh consecutive match at the tournament. The Argentine superstar achieved the feat during his side's final Group J clash against Jordan, adding another chapter to an already extraordinary international career. Although rested at the start of the match, Messi made an immediate impact after coming on in the second half. The veteran forward calmly converted a stunning free-kick from just outside the penalty area, sending the ball into the corner of the net to leave the Jordan goalkeeper rooted to…