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Every National teams story we publish, newest first.
Cristiano Ronaldo is going through a difficult international break with Portugal. After watching the full win against Norway from the bench, he missed Tuesday's training session and left the stadium early. The Portugal captain responded to the speculation with a social media post.
varela·4 min read
Italy cruised past Turkey in a performance that offered more than just a scoreline. Roberto Mancini's side showed clear mechanisms, mobility and a recognizable identity, with Pio Esposito leading the way. The Azzurri are starting to look like a team that belongs to their coach.
Natilla·4 min read
Vinicius Junior found the net again for Brazil in the comeback win over Australia, ending a goal drought that dated back to August. Carlo Ancelotti handed him the penalty to restore his morale and publicly defended his role in the national team. The Brazilian now faces the challenge of bringing that confidence back to Real Madrid.
Javi
·4 min read
A supporter died on Monday night at the National Sports Stadium in Harare during a crowd crush that broke out just before kickoff between Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa Cup 2027 qualifying. Zimbabwean police have opened an investigation into the incident at gate two, which involved a riot control vehicle and a pedestrian.
InfoBlaugrana·5 min read
Raphinha delivered another standout performance on Tuesday for Brazil, this time leading the attack in the friendly against Australia. Carlo Ancelotti brought the tactical idea that Hansi Flick uses at Barcelona into the national team and deployed the Brazilian forward as a striker. At 29, the former Leeds player is enjoying the best form of his career.
varela·5 min read
Raphinha raised alarm bells at Barcelona after being taken off at half-time in Brazil's friendly against Australia. The forward, who had scored from the penalty spot in the final minute of the first half, felt discomfort in his right thigh and stayed in the dressing room. Brazil's football federation confirmed the issue, although the full extent of the problem is still unknown.
Javi·4 min read
France snatched a dramatic 1-0 win over Belgium in Brussels after Michael Olise came off the bench to score a stunning solo goal in the 88th minute. The Bayern forward carried the ball from inside his own half before curling a shot beyond Senne Lammens. The result gives Zinedine Zidane two wins from two matches since taking charge of Les Bleus.
Javi·6 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo left a very different image from the one he promised just days earlier. The Portugal captain did not play in the win over Norway, went straight down the tunnel at full time and did not greet the travelling supporters. Jorge Jesus had already warned that his role has changed, and in Portugal many feel the striker is not keeping his word.
Matt·5 min read
Italy bounced back from their opening defeat with a commanding 4-1 victory over Turkey in Bursa on Monday night. First-half goals from Bastoni, Frattesi and Kayode put the Azzurri in control, and Pio Esposito added a fourth after the break to secure their first points in the Nations League group stage.
varela·4 min read
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has clarified why Mohamed Salah will not feature in Tuesday's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan. The manager says the decision was agreed before the Angola match due to the artificial pitch and has denied any disagreement with the Trabzonspor forward.
varela·6 min read