International Football
Confederations Cup: Late Goals Rob Cameroon of Points
Cameroon will have to overcome Australia to have a realistic chance of making it to the semi-finals of the FIFA Confederation Cup.
The 0-2 loss to Chile on Sunday has condemned the African flag bearer to zero option when they take on the Australians on Thursday before a potentially explosive last group match with World Cup champions, Germany next Sunday.
Late goals from Arturo Vidal and Eduardo Vargas gave Chile all three points in a 2-0 win over Cameroon in their opening match in Group B at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow in front of a crowd of 33,492.
It was Chile’s first appearance at the Confederation and thus became the sixth of the 10 South American countries to feature.
The South Americans had a goal disallowed at the closing stage of the first half when Eduardo Vargas’ effort was annulled by the video assistant referee which called it back as the Tigres UANL forward was in an offside position.
Alexis Sanchez came off the bench in the second half, and the Arsenal forward made an impact when his cross found Vidal, who leapt to head in La Roja‘s winning goal in the 81st minute.
Vargas eventually got his goal, when he scored on a second-chance opportunity after Sanchez had weaved around Cameroon’s defence and his shot was blocked and eventually fell to Vargas who made no mistake from close range.
According to a FIFA team reporter’s analysis, “experience made all the difference for the Indomitable Lions.
“Nervous during the first half, making too many fouls and losing the ball too quickly, the Cameroonians had a big fright before half time but were saved by the VAR.
That emotion seemed to free them from the stress during the second half, but ultimately they were punished by two late goals.”
Another view of the match by a Cameroonian reporter, Pascal de Miramon, has it that: “Chile played a solid first match against a very strong, defensive team.
They were in the driving seat throughout most of the game, controlling the ball and creating a quality amount of chances. Coach Juan Pizzi played an important role, as his substitutions helped Vidal offensively, and that paid off near the end when ‘King Arturo’ showed up in the six-yard area to head in the winning goal for a well-deserved win for La Roja.”
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
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