BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK

Norway will look to strengthen their position in Group A when they take on Senegal in a potentially decisive FIFA World Cup 2026 encounter.

Much of the spotlight will once again fall on prolific striker Erling Haaland, who arrives in scintillating form. The Manchester City forward has scored an astonishing 22 goals in his last 11 competitive appearances for Norway and remains the Scandinavians’ biggest attacking threat.

Norway’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage could hinge on Haaland maintaining that remarkable scoring run against a Senegal side renowned for their resilience and tournament experience.

The West Africans have built a reputation as difficult opponents on the global stage and possess an impressive record in second group-stage matches at the World Cup. Senegal have never lost their second fixture in the competition, recording one victory and two draws in their previous appearances.

With both teams eyeing a place in the last 32, the clash promises to be a fascinating battle between Norway’s attacking firepower and Senegal’s disciplined, organised approach.

A victory for either side would provide a significant boost to their qualification ambitions ahead of the final round of group matches.

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As Argentina prepare to face Austria at the FIFA World Cup 2026, history offers a fascinating reminder of a match that occupies a unique place in the career of the late Diego Maradona.

Although Maradona dazzled football fans across the globe with countless memorable performances for Argentina, he scored only one hat-trick during his entire international career.

That remarkable feat came against Austria in a friendly match played in Vienna on May 21, 1980.

Still a teenager and already regarded as one of football’s brightest talents, Maradona inspired Argentina to a commanding 5-1 victory, scoring three times in what would remain his only international hat-trick.

The achievement is all the more surprising given Maradona’s legendary status. Over a distinguished international career spanning 91 appearances and 34 goals, the 1986 World Cup-winning captain never again managed three goals in a single match for Argentina.

The Vienna encounter therefore occupies a special place in Argentine football history, representing the only occasion on which one of the game’s greatest players registered an international treble.

As the Albiceleste once again line up against Austria on football’s biggest stage, memories of Maradona’s magical night in Vienna are certain to resurface.

Maradona’s Only International Hat-Trick

• Date: May 21, 1980
• Match: Austria vs Argentina
• Venue: Vienna, Austria
• Result: Austria 1-5 Argentina
• Maradona Goals: 3
• Significance: The only hat-trick of Diego Maradona’s international career
• Argentina Career Record: 91 appearances, 34 goals
• World Cup Highlight: Captained Argentina to victory at the 1986 FIFA World Cup

More than four decades later, Austria remains forever linked to one of the most unique milestones in the extraordinary career of Diego Maradona.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK

Cape Verde’s dream FIFA World Cup debut gathered further momentum on Sunday as the African newcomers held two-time champions Uruguay to a thrilling 2-2 draw in Group H, earning another valuable point and keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.

The island nation, making its first appearance at the World Cup finals, once again demonstrated remarkable resilience and belief as they matched the South American giants stride for stride in an entertaining encounter.

Having already impressed with a goalless draw against Spain in their opening match, Cape Verde made history in the 21st minute when Kevin Pina scored the country’s first-ever goal at a World Cup finals.

The goal stemmed from a dazzling run by Telmo Arcanjo, who earned a free kick after surging through the Uruguayan defence. From fully 31 metres out, Pina unleashed a powerful low drive that beat the goalkeeper and sparked wild celebrations among Cape Verde’s players and supporters.

The lead, however, lasted only until Uruguay’s experience began to tell.

Maxi Araujo restored parity with a headed finish after reacting quickest to a rebound before turning provider later in the half. Another well-placed header from Araujo found Agustin Canobbio, who made no mistake in putting Uruguay ahead 2-1 before the interval.

Facing their first deficit of the tournament, Cape Verde refused to buckle.

Their determination was rewarded in the second half through substitute Helio Varela, who made an immediate impact after entering the game. Just two minutes after coming on, Varela capitalised on a loose back pass from Mathias Olivera, racing onto the ball, drawing the goalkeeper out of position and calmly slotting into an empty net to level the scores.

The equaliser ensured another memorable chapter in Cape Verde’s historic World Cup adventure and highlighted the growing competitiveness of African football on the global stage.

The draw leaves both Cape Verde and Uruguay on two points, behind Group H leaders Spain, who have four points heading into the final round of matches.

For Cape Verde, the result represents more than just another point. It is further proof that the tournament debutants belong on football’s biggest stage. Holding European powerhouse Spain and now sharing the spoils with Uruguay, one of South America’s most decorated football nations, the Blue Sharks have emerged as one of Africa’s most inspiring stories of the tournament.

With qualification to the knockout phase still within reach, Cape Verde head into their final group match knowing that their remarkable World Cup journey could yet produce another historic milestone.

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