Clippers remain unstoppable with fifth win in a row

Carlos Queiroz submitted his resignation as coach of the Ghana national team after the 1-0 defeat against Colombia in the round of 32 of the World Cup. The departure of the Portuguese coach was confirmed hours after the match that sealed the elimination of the African team.

The coach’s farewell

In a message posted on Instagram, Queiroz addressed Ghanaian fans:

“We cannot claim complete sporting satisfaction, but we can proudly say that we honored the colors of Ghana and restored respect and credibility to the Black Stars on football’s biggest stage.”

The 71-year-old strategist took over in 2021 with the goal of qualifying the team for the tournament. Ghana qualified, but the campaign ended prematurely.

The defeat against Colombia left Ghana with no chance of advancing. Fans expected a better performance, although the team showed moments of competitiveness during the group stage.

With Queiroz’s resignation, the Ghana Football Federation will have to look for a new technical director. The future of the Black Stars remains up in the air while the next project is defined.

Queiroz, with previous experience in teams such as Portugal, Iran and Colombia, adds another chapter to his career. His departure raises questions about the direction of Ghanaian football.

Haaland’s drum and Viking fever

Erling Haaland beat the drum to lead Norwegian fans in the “Viking Paddle,” a gesture that has become a hallmark of the World Cup in the United States.

After scoring both goals in the 2-1 win over Brazil on Sunday, the Manchester City striker took his country to the quarter-finals for the first time. His gaze turned to Oslo, where tens of thousands celebrated into the early hours.

“Look at the streets in Norway. I have never experienced anything like this. In a way I wish I were in Oslo now celebrating with all the people,” said Haaland.

Up to 50,000 people watched the match at Rådhusplassen, according to the city council. Crown Prince Haakon, wearing a national team scarf, joined the crowd and rowed after the match. Fireworks were launched at the Ullevaal stadium.

Coach Ståle Solbakken summed up the atmosphere:

“The whole nation is rowing together. We are having a big party here and in Oslo… and rowing is, in a way, a symbol of that.”

The celebration went viral: fans wearing the red, white and blue colors rowed in Times Square and during a New York Mets baseball game. Norway will face England on Saturday in Miami, with the possibility of reaching the semifinals.

Captain Martin Ødegaard called for calm:

“We have to keep our feet on the ground. We have shown that we can beat anyone… we are having fun, and in football anything is possible.”

Norway is in the World Cup for the fourth time, the first since 1998. Haaland, who turns 26 on July 21, joked that before him no one could blame him for past defeats. With seven goals in his first World Cup, he is tied with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé.

A fairy tale for Norwegian football

This streak adds to the history of Bodø/Glimt, a small team that qualified for the Champions League and beat several big clubs, including Manchester City. The men’s team seeks to emulate the women’s team, which won the World Cup in 1995.

Haaland hopes success inspires children:

“I want to cultivate a culture in which we are proud to play for the national team… to all the children who watch us, I want them to play with pride when they grow up.”

Arlington, Texas. Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup ended on Monday with a 1-0 loss to Spain in the round of 16. At 41 years old, the Portuguese star confirmed that it was his last participation in the tournament.

“Yes, it was my last World Cup,” he declared after the game. “I have given everything, I have given my best, and I am leaving with a clear conscience.”

Cristiano, the only player to score in six consecutive editions and the all-time leader in international goals with 146, showed stoicism when leaving the field. He gave a brief greeting to the fans who were cheering him.

In the first half he was close to scoring. Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón made a spectacular save with a jump to deflect his shot. It was one of three shots by the Portuguese, two on goal.

An indelible legacy

Portugal had never won a major tournament before Cristiano. Under his leadership they won the 2016 Euro Cup, the 2019 Nations League and the 2025 edition. Coach Roberto Martínez praised him:

“He is an example, a role model. We are talking about a football icon. His dream was to win the World Cup and he did it as an incredible example in the locker room.”

Cristiano scored three goals in this World Cup (total of 11, tied for ninth place in history). His hat-trick against Spain in 2018 —at 33 years old— made him the oldest to achieve a World Cup treble, a record that was later surpassed by Lionel Messi (38 years old) in June 2026.

Regarding his future, he did not advance plans.

“I will have time to think about it, to be with my family, and not make any rash decisions.”

The Portuguese leaves with a clear conscience, but with the same sadness as previous eliminations.

“This is football and the life of a footballer. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.”