Key events
Spain looked ominous in beating Austria.
The group stage is something you have to do but the World Cup starts here, Lamine Yamal had insisted, and down on the Pacific that was how it played out. It wasn’t just that Spain defeated Austria to reach the last 16 against Portugal or Croatia, their first victory at the knockout stage since they were champions in 2010; it was that on an enjoyable sunny afternoon they were Spain again. Two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and another from Pedro Porro completed a 3-0 win that was as recognisably theirs as their coach had requested beforehand. “Almost perfect,” Luis de la Fuente called it afterwards.
The World Cup is a place to unearth stars, and the Swiss may just have one.
No wonder Newcastle United are working overtime to wrap up a deal for Johan Manzambi. The secret, if there was such a thing, is well and truly out when it comes to the 20-year-old Freiburg forward who destroyed the Algeria defence to tee up Breel Embolo for Switzerland’s opener in an ominously comfortable victory to reach the last 16.
What a game last night in Toronto. Farewell, Luka Modric. The Ronaldo show rolls on.
Ronaldo hung away from the melée until the penalty was confirmed, then began his march to the spot. He framed himself around the ball, he performed all the necessary rituals, he stepped up, sat Livaković down and converted. He ran to the corner as the ground exploded, performed his trademark celebration and the crowd ‘siuuuuued’ back to him.
Preamble
Good morning, football. Good afternoon and evening, too, wherever you are. Another day, another dollar, after a big overnight for the European teams. The last 32 continues its week of residency and the number of teams is dwindling as others’ hopes rise.
Join us for a day of news, previews and buildup.
