Ronaldo’s shoe swap and Messi’s late strike: two contrasting nights at the World Cup

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo delivered contrasting performances as the group stage of the World Cup concluded with 19 goals across six matches. Messi sealed Argentina’s 3-1 win over Jordan with a 20th-minute free-kick, his 19th World Cup goal, while Ronaldo’s Portugal laboured to a 0-0 draw with Colombia. The 39-year-old Messi, introduced as a substitute in the 60th minute, needed just 20 minutes to make his mark. His free-kick in the 80th minute completed the scoring, extending his record as the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches. The goal also marked his 19th World Cup goal, tying him with Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Vinícius Júnior and Erling Haaland at the top of the tournament’s scoring chart with six goals each. Cristiano Ronaldo, wearing the limited-edition Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 Gold Scorpion boots gifted by Nike after his two-goal haul in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, swapped them at half-time for his usual pink boots. The Portuguese captain had struggled to make an impact against Colombia, miscuing a clearance, striking a weak free-kick and seeing several shots blocked. Only 2,026 pairs of the Gold Scorpion boots were produced. The design, inspired by Ronaldo’s nickname, features a scorpion motif and gold detailing. The swap raised questions about comfort and suitability ahead of Portugal’s next match against Croatia on Friday.

Stoppage-time drama sends Austria and Algeria into World Cup knockouts

Austria secured their place in the last 16 with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Algeria in Kansas City, scoring twice in stoppage time. The equaliser in the 93rd minute and winner in the 96th meant both teams advanced, though Austria, as group runners-up, face Spain in the next round. Lionel Messi now leads the scoring chart with six goals, two clear of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Vinícius Júnior and Erling Haaland. The 72 group-stage matches produced 215 goals, an average of 2.99 per game. Steve Clarke has resigned as Scotland manager after a disappointing World Cup campaign. Scotland beat Haiti 1-0 in their opening match but lost 1-0 to Morocco and 3-0 to Brazil, finishing third in their group. Clarke, who took charge in May 2019, leaves with a record of 36 wins and 29 defeats in 98 matches.

Austria and Algeria clinch knockout spots as Group J drama erupts

Ivan Perišić continues his World Cup run with Croatia, having played 20 consecutive matches at the tournament since his debut. The 37-year-old, who has made 43 appearances for PSV this season with 10 goals and 16 assists, is a key figure on the left flank for the Croatians. The last-16 fixtures are now confirmed, with England facing DR Congo on Wednesday at 18:00, Belgium meeting Senegal on Wednesday at 22:00, and the marquee clash between Portugal and Croatia on Friday at 20:00.