Ronaldo focuses on World Cup as retirement talks pause Cristiano Ronaldo has moved to end speculation surrounding his international future after Portugal’s dramatic victory over Croatia in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Reports had emerged suggesting that the veteran forward could retire from international football after the tournament, following comments linked to his family. However, Ronaldo clarified that no final decision has been taken and his focus remains entirely on Portugal’s ongoing campaign. The 41-year-old forward stated that he will not make any emotional decision during the tournament and will only evaluate his future once Portugal’s World Cup journey is complete. His response came after intense media speculation, especially as Portugal continue to progress in the knockout rounds. The clarification helped shift attention back to football rather than retirement discussions, which had dominated headlines before the match. Ronaldo also created history during the match by becoming the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout fixture at 41 years and 147 days. His 67th-minute penalty, awarded after a VAR review, brought Portugal level after Croatia had taken the lead. The goal once again highlighted his ability to perform in high-pressure moments, even in the later stages of his career. Portugal survive Croatia in a tense knockout battle The match itself delivered high drama as Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in a tightly contested encounter. Croatia initially took control through an early breakthrough, putting Portugal under pressure for long stretches of the match. However, Ronaldo’s equaliser from the penalty spot changed the momentum after a VAR intervention confirmed the foul inside the box. Portugal continued to push in the final stages, eventually finding the winning goal through Gonçalo Ramos in stoppage time. The result secured Portugal’s place in the Round of 16 and kept their tournament hopes alive. The match also carried emotional weight as it could mark one of Luka Modric’s final appearances at the World Cup, adding significance to an already intense knockout fixture. For now, however, the focus remains on Portugal’s progress—and Ronaldo’s future will only be decided once the tournament concludes.

PM Modi Calls Japan PM Sanae Takaichi ‘Younger Sister’ As India-Japan Ties Enter New Phase Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday warmly

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Paraguay hold their nerve to stun Germany after 120 minutes Paraguay delivered one of the standout results of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by defeating Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a tightly contested 1-1 draw in the Round of 32. The match, played on June 29, 2026, in Boston, showcased Paraguay’s defensive discipline against a German side that controlled possession but failed to finish chances. Germany dictated the rhythm for long periods, creating multiple opportunities but repeatedly being denied by a compact Paraguayan defensive setup. Paraguay struck first through Julio Enciso, who converted a well-worked attacking move despite entering the game with injury concerns. Germany later found the equalizer, but struggled to convert dominance into a winning goal in both regular time and extra time. A key turning point arrived in extra time when Germany briefly thought they had taken the lead through Jonathan Tah. The goal was overturned after VAR review, with officials spotting a foul on Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill during the buildup. The decision kept Paraguay alive and shifted momentum back toward the underdogs. Gill shines in shootout as Germany suffer decisive miss The penalty shootout became the defining phase of the match, with Orlando Gill emerging as the standout performer. His crucial saves under pressure put Germany on the back foot, while Manuel Neuer briefly kept his side in contention with a save of his own. However, Germany’s inconsistency from the spot proved costly. Jonathan Tah ultimately missed the decisive penalty, sending his effort over the bar and sealing Germany’s elimination. Jose Canale converted the final kick, confirming Paraguay’s 4-3 shootout victory and sending them into the Round of 16. The result continues Germany’s troubling knockout trend in recent tournaments, while Paraguay celebrate one of the most important wins in their World Cup history, built on resilience, discipline, and composure under pressure.

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Venezuela Twin Earthquakes Toll Rises To 235 As Rescue Teams Search Rubble Rescue teams and volunteers continued searching through collapsed buildings in Venezuela after twin powerful earthquakes left around 235 people dead, thousands injured, and many others trapped under rubble. The earthquakes struck west of Caracas, causing heavy damage in the capital region and nearby coasta