FIFA World Cup 2026: Portugal “motivated in plenty” to win R32 clash …

Toronto [Canada], July 2 (ANI): Ahead of his side’s FIFA World Cup round of 32 clash against Croatia, Portugal and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Vitinha expressed that the side has “plenty of motivation" to win the star-studded clash for the late striker Diogo Jota, with the match happening on the day of his death anniversary. slot-chickenroad.org

After two goalless draws against DR Congo and Colombia, Portugal, who managed to scrape past all odds to the round of 32, will take on Luka Modric-led Croatia. The Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal has a lot of emotional weight attached to this match, with Jota, 28, passing away in a road accident last year on July 3, the day of the match.

Remembering the former Liverpool and Portugal star during the pre-match presser, Vitinha said, “Like I said before, we have plenty of motivation to win this game and reach the next round. Moreover, there is that factor, that special day (Jota’s death anniversary). We have all the motivation and much more to want to win tomorrow. For us. For our families. For Diogo Jota. For the whole country. For Portugal. So we are going to give everything we have to win against Croatia tomorrow."

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Earlier, Portugal paid tribute to Jota in their campaign opener against DR Congo by wearing special commemorative wristbands

According to Reuters, the wristbands, presented to the squad by Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, feature the names of all current players along with that of Jota, who died alongside his brother in a car accident in northwestern Spain last year.

Jota, who earned 49 caps and scored 14 goals for Portugal, remains a cherished figure within the national team, and his teammates have chosen to carry his memory onto the pitch during the tournament. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

New Delhi [India], July 2 (ANI): Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya extended wishes to all the sports journalists on the occasion of ‘World Sports Journalists Day’, terming them “vital partners in India’s sporting journey."

Taking to X on Thursday, Mandaviya extended “heartfelt" wishes to the sports journalism fraternity, saying that their “hard work, dedication, and professional integrity continue to strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem."

“Sports journalists are vital partners in India’s sporting journey, celebrating achievements, highlighting talent, and inspiring the next generation of athletes. On World Sports Journalists Day, I extend my heartfelt wishes to the entire sports media fraternity. Your hard work, dedication, and professional integrity continue to strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem. Happy World Sports Journalists Day!," posted Mandaviya.

Sports journalists are vital partners in India’s sporting journey, celebrating achievements, highlighting talent, and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

On World Sports Journalists Day, I extend my heartfelt wishes to the entire sports media fraternity. Your hard work,… pic.twitter.com/EHHj5WxbDn

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) July 2, 2026

World Sports Journalists Day is celebrated on July 2 every year in order to recognise the efforts of sports journalists covering and writing news related to the games. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Belgium staged a sensational World Cup comeback against Senegal, winning 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 32 clash. Trailing 0-2 until the 86th minute, striker Romelu Lukaku first diffused an on-field spat between teammates before igniting the revival. He scored, then Trossard assisted Tielemans for the equaliser, who later netted a record-breaking 125th-minute penalty to seal the victory after a lengthy VAR review.