A monumental statue of Pelé is unveiled in Guadalajara

Multi-year agreement and return of Kawhi Leonard

The Toronto Raptors have secured their coach, Darko Rajakovic, to a multi-year contract extension. The announcement came days after the franchise finalized the return of Kawhi Leonard, a key figure in the 2019 title.

Rajakovic led the team to 46 wins last season, qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 2022. He lost in the seventh game of the first round against Cleveland. Their record in three seasons is 101-105, after two years with 30 wins or less.

The trade for Leonard was closed with the Los Angeles Clippers. Sources indicated that Toronto sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, two second-round picks and one pick swap. The operation is subject to approval by the NBA.

Rajakovic, born in Serbia, is the second Serbian coach in the NBA, after Igor Kokosov. He coached in Spain, was a head coach in the G League and an assistant in Oklahoma City, Phoenix and Memphis. This year he led the international team in the All-Star Game.

Leonard, 35, averaged 27.9 points in 65 games last season. He is a seven-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion, as well as an elite defender. His return to Toronto marks an important chapter for the franchise.

Portugal and Croatia faced each other in a duel that defined their place in the round of 16. It was also the last World Cup dance for two legends: Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric. In the end, Portugal won 2-1 and prolonged the hope of their captain, while the Croatian said goodbye to the World Cups.

Development of the meeting

The game started with intensity. Croatia warned in the 3rd minute with a shot by Ante Budimir that the Portuguese goalkeeper controlled without problems. Portugal responded immediately: Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha tested the Croatian goalkeeper, but the scoreboard did not move. During the first half, the Lusitanians took control of the pace, although without achieving anything. Both teams went into the break at 0-0.

In the second half, Croatia struck first. In the 53rd minute, Ivan Perišić controlled inside the area and scored with precision to open the scoring, his first goal in the tournament. The Balkans were close to extending the lead in the 56th minute, but Nikola Vlašić scored from an offside position and the goal was disallowed.

Portugal reacted in the 60th minute with a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo, also disallowed for offside. However, at 68′, the Portuguese took revenge from the penalty spot and made it 1-1. Croatia once again had a goal disallowed in the 80th minute, when Petar Sucic was penalized for offside. Moments later, Ronaldo was replaced by Rúben Neves, visibly upset.

When the game seemed to be heading towards overtime, Gonçalo Ramos appeared at minute 90+3 and, with a header, unleashed the Portuguese celebration. Croatia tried to equalize and Joško Gvardiol scored at 90+12, but the referee annulled the action. Portugal took the victory and sealed its ticket to the round of 16, where Spain awaits.

The night left two faces: the joy of Ronaldo, who continues dreaming, and the farewell of Modric, who closes his World Cup history with the pride of an unforgettable generation.

The shared illusion

The journey of the Mexican National Team in this World Cup has revived the hope of millions. After beating Ecuador in the round of 32, the team advances with the dream of reaching the quarterfinals, or even further. The fans chant a chant that has become a flag: “What if?” — a phrase that Javier Aguirre described as nice and that now resonates in the stands.

But Mexico is not the only living host. The United States, led by Mauricio Pochettino, also qualified for the round of 16, where they will face Belgium. The Argentine coach borrowed that same question to fire up his players.

Pochettino’s strategy

In an interview with Pat McAfee’s show, Pochettino said: “Why not us?”

“It is an incredible country with incredible people, it is possible for us to achieve whatever we want. They reached the moon, it is true that they are the most powerful country in all areas. Why not also in football? Why not us?” said the former Tottenham and PSG coach.

The statement seeks to spread confidence in a team that seeks to make history. The illusion, as in Mexico, sneaks into the American locker room.