IVORY COAST 0 - PORTUGAL 0

Cristiano Ronaldo was denied by the woodwork as Portugal and Ivory Coast had to make do with a point apiece in Port Elizabeth.

Ronaldo, who has not scored an international goal in 16 months, rattled a post with a blistering early strike, but that was as close as his side came to snatching victory on a frustrating afternoon at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Even Didier Drogba's arrival as a second-half substitute, to the delight of a crowd of 37,034, could not separate the sides as each attempted to gain the upper hand in Group G ahead of their respective encounters with Brazil.

Ivory Coast boss Sven-Goran Eriksson was boosted ahead of kick-off when he was able to name captain Drogba among his substitutes just 10 days after he had broken a bone in his arm.

Not enough FOOTBALL??? Click HERE!

Comments

A CHAMPION LOST, A HEART REMEMBERED

Diogo Jota ’s journey was one of brilliance, heart, and humility. Born in Porto, Portugal, in 1996, he rose from modest beginnings to shine on football’s grandest stages. From his early steps at Paços de Ferreira to a pivotal role in Wolves ’ Premier League promotion, Jota’s sharp instincts and relentless energy earned him a move to Liverpool in 2020. At Anfield , he quickly became a fan favorite. Scoring on his debut, pressing with passion, and helping the Reds lift the FA Cup , two League Cups , and finally, the long-awaited 2024–25 Premier League title. On the international stage, he proudly represented Portugal, earning 49 caps and winning the UEFA Nations League twice, in 2019 and again in 2025, just weeks before tragedy struck. On July 3, 2025, Diogo and his brother lost their lives in a car accident in Spain. He was just 28. The football world mourned deeply not just for the player, but the man: humble, kind, and dedicated. Jota’s legacy is more than goals and tr...

THE UNBROKEN SPIRIT OF FAISAL HALIM

After his breathtaking goal against South Korea in January 2024, Faisal Halim , known to all as Miki stood at the peak of his career. Malaysia had found a rare gem, a player whose talent inspired pride across the nation. But not long after that shining moment, darkness struck. Miki became the victim of one of the cruelest attacks in Malaysian sporting history, doused with acid by heartless men until he suffered fourth-degree burns. It was a life-threatening ordeal that left his face and body scarred forever. The incident broke the hearts of millions and changed the course of his life. The pain of that day will never fade. The scars will stay with him as long as he lives. And yet, the most painful truth remains, the culprits still walk free, unseen and unpunished. There was a time when everyone, including Miki himself, believed his story had ended. His career, his legacy, his dream, were all shattered in an instant. The thought that his football journey might end so young was almost ...

PORTUGAL WINS THRILLING NATIONS LEAGUE FINAL

Portugal captured the 2025 UEFA Nations League title in breathtaking fashion, defeating Spain 5-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw in Munich. The final exploded into life when Spain took a 2-1 lead before halftime through goals by Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Oyarzabal . But Portugal roared back— Nuno Mendes equalized, and Cristiano Ronaldo , ever the talisman, netted his 138th international goal to level the tie. Extra time couldn't separate the sides, setting up a nerve-shredding shootout. Álvaro Morata ’s miss proved costly for Spain, as Portugal converted all five of their penalties. Rúben Neves slotted the decisive kick, sparking wild celebrations from the Portuguese squad and fans. For Ronaldo, this triumph adds yet another glittering jewel to his legendary career. For Portugal, it’s a powerful statement: they remain a force in European football, with a new generation stepping up under the fire of pressure and glory. ASIA S...

3-5-2 FOOTBALL

Search This Blog