2026 World Cup; CR7 Goes Goalless Against Colombia, Thrilling Finale in Algeria-Austria

The group stage has come to an end. Portugal is left with a bitter taste in its mouth after failing to go beyond a 0-0 draw with Colombia in its third World Cup match. The draw secures first place in the group for the Cafeteros (who will face Ghana in the Round of 16). Cristiano Ronaldo and his dreams, meanwhile, will now face Modric’s Croatia.

CR7, in particular, was a disappointment. After scoring a brace against Uzbekistan, the former striker for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus—among others—failed to deliver once again, never managing to make an impact. Leao also struggled, playing for only 20 minutes. Gonçalo Ramos, on the other hand, remained on the bench for the entire match.

Algeria and Austria both needed a draw to ensure they would both continue their World Cup campaigns, and that’s exactly what they got. The match ended with a 3-3 final score. With the score tied at 2-2, play stalled, but Mahrez put Algeria ahead in the 93rd minute. Two minutes later, Kalajdzic’s equalizer “saved” the Austrians and secured qualification for both teams.

Finally, Uzbekistan suffered its third loss in as many matches. The team led by head coach Cannavaro was defeated 3-1 by the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Uzbeks thus ended their World Cup campaign with zero points, two goals scored, and 11 conceded.