Referee error takes Neymar off the field in Santos defeat

A ruling by the fourth referee causes a confusing substitution for Neymar in Santos' defeat.

Publicado 18 mayo, 2026 el 18 de mayo a las 09:08 | 2 mins reading |1,323 vistas | por Miguel Torres

Confusion in the change that marked the match

An error by the fourth official forced Neymar to leave the field during Santos’ 3-0 loss to Coritiba on Sunday. The incident occurred at 65 minutes, when the score was already adverse and the 34-year-old forward was receiving treatment on his right calf.

The referee told him to retreat to the sideline to continue the attention. Seconds later, the fourth referee raised the board showing the number 10—Neymar—as a replacement for Robinho Jr., who had already stepped on the field.

“I knew that Robinho was going to come on, but I wasn’t even looking at him. I didn’t know that they had substituted me, I hadn’t seen the board. It was a very serious mistake by the referees, by the person who puts the numbers on the board,” declared Neymar.

Both the Santos coach, Cuca, and the player himself complained to the fourth referee and the center back Paulo Cesar Zanovelli. The correct substitution was for defender Gonzalo Escobar, number 31. Zanovelli admonished Neymar for refusing to accept the substitution. Minutes later, the forward showed the media the official application form where Escobar’s number appeared.

“It is a mistake (by the fourth referee), without a doubt. But it was not the reason we lost; it would be unfair to blame this,” Cuca said at a press conference.

Neymar has been struggling to regain his form since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in October 2023. Although he has improved in recent weeks, Santos is struggling to avoid relegation. The performance against Coritiba was discreet.

The incident occurs just before Carlo Ancelotti announces Brazil’s call for the World Cup this Monday in Rio de Janeiro. Local media report that the inclusion of Neymar in the list of 26 players has gained strength, supported even by other players that the coach wants to bring. The Brazilian Football Confederation has not yet commented.

Sports

Portugal fires Modric and keeps Ronaldo’s dream alive

Portugal beats Croatia 2-1 and advances to the round of 16; Modric says goodbye to the World Cup.

Publicado 5 hours ago el 2 de julio a las 23:22 | 2 mins reading

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.

Sports

Pochettino adopts the Mexican song to motivate the US

The phrase that unites Mexico and the United States in the World Cup.

Publicado 5 hours ago el 2 de julio a las 22:45 | 2 mins reading

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.

Sports

Checo Pérez dreams of seeing Mexico, but Silverstone stops him

Checo Pérez and George Russell joke about attending the Mexico vs England match, but the British GP prevents it.

Publicado 6 hours ago el 2 de julio a las 22:21 | 2 mins reading

Checo Pérez’s desire for Mexico vs England

This Sunday, the Mexican National Team faces England in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, at the Mexico City Stadium. Mexican driver Sergio “Checo” Pérez, currently at Cadillac, expressed his desire to attend the game. In statements alongside the English pilot George Russell, Pérez recalled that he had already regretted not being able to go to the duel against South Korea in Guadalajara.

“It was very sad, I tried to go but it was difficult to find a way, but if we move forward I will definitely go, because it would be in Mexico City again, so I will have to go,” mentioned Checo.

When Russell said the game is against England, the Mercedes driver joked: “Then I’ll get on the plane and go with you.”

The conflict with the British Grand Prix

However, both seem to forget that on Sunday, at 8:00 a.m. (Mexico City time), they must be present at the British Grand Prix, at Silverstone. The game is at 6:00 p.m., Mexican time, which makes it impossible for them to attend the Coloso de Santa Úrsula.

Although the hope was there, the Formula 1 agenda and the World Cup dream collide. For now, Checo will have to settle for watching the match from the Silverstone paddock, as Mexico looks to advance to the quarterfinals.