Spain made a powerful statement in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage with a dominant 3-0 victory over Austria, powered by a Mikel Oyarzabal brace
that sent La Roja into the Round of 16. The win also saw Oyarzabal join an elite list of Spanish World Cup goalscorers, while Spain extended their remarkable defensive run with a fifth consecutive clean sheet. They will now face Portugal in one of the tournament's most anticipated last-16 clashes.
Portugal reached the next round after edging Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic contest overshadowed by a controversial VAR decision that ruled out Croatia's stoppage-time equaliser. Elsewhere, Harry Kane fired England into the Round of 16 with a match-winning brace against DR Congo to surpass Pele on the World Cup scoring charts, while Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni insisted his side is not overly dependent on Lionel Messi ahead of their knockout clash against Cape Verde.
Here is your daily sports digest in the Sports Bulletin, July 3:
Spain Beat Austria 3-0 to Book Round of 16 Place
Spain cruised into the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Austria at SoFi Stadium. Mikel Oyarzabal starred with a brace, while Pedro Porro added the third as Spain dominated possession and restricted Austria to no shots on target. Oyarzabal's four tournament goals made him only the second Spanish player this century, after David Villa, to score four or more in a single World Cup. Spain also recorded a fifth consecutive World Cup clean sheet and advanced to face Portugal.
Goncalo Ramos Delivers Late Goal To Set Up Round of 16 Clash Against Spain
Portugal booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 win over Croatia, thanks to GonÇalo Ramos' stoppage-time header. Ivan Perišić gave Croatia the lead before Cristiano Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot, scoring his first-ever World Cup knockout goal. Croatia twice had goals ruled out for offside, including Josko Gvardiol's dramatic late equaliser after a VAR review. Portugal will now face Spain, while Croatia exit the tournament after a heartbreaking defeat in what was likely Luka Modrić's final World Cup appearance.
Harry Kane Goes Past Pele In Goals Tally
Harry Kane scored twice to inspire England to a 2-1 comeback victory over DR Congo and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. After Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo an early lead, Kane equalised with a towering header before netting a late winner to complete the turnaround. The brace took Kane's World Cup tally to 13 goals, moving him past Brazilian legend Pele and level with Just Fontaine in the all-time scoring charts. England now advances after a hard-fought knockout win.
'Not Over Dependent On Messi' Argentina Head Coach Scaloni Says Ahead Of Capo Verde Clash
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni insists the defending champions are not overly reliant on Lionel Messi ahead of their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash with Cape Verde. While Messi has scored six group-stage goals and could make his 30th World Cup appearance, Scaloni stressed Argentina's attack remains a collective effort. Argentina enter the knockout stage after three straight wins, but Scaloni warned against underestimating World Cup debutants Cape Verde, praising their defensive discipline, counter-attacking threat, and historic run to the knockout phase.
VAR Debate Reignites As Croatia's Late Equaliser Was Disallowed Against Portugal
Croatia's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in heartbreak after a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Portugal was ruled out by VAR for offside. Ball-tracking sensor technology detected a slight touch from Igor Matanović before Mario Pašalić, who was offside, assisted Joško Gvardiol's finish. Portugal held on for a 2-1 victory to reach the Round of 16, where they will face Spain. The controversial decision sparked furious reactions from Croatia fans and players, marking a painful end to Luka Modrić's World Cup career.
Dinesh Karthik Urges India to Back Sanju Samson Despite Calls for Sooryavanshi
Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has backed Sanju Samson to retain his place despite growing calls for teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's T20I debut. Karthik urged the team management to show faith in Samson, citing his Player of the Tournament performance in India's ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 triumph. While praising Sooryavanshi's immense talent, Karthik said the youngster should earn his place rather than replace an experienced performer after a brief dip in form. He also noted vice-captain Tilak Varma's recent batting struggles.
BAI Set To Adopt New 3x15 Scoring System From July 2026
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) will implement the Badminton World Federation's new 3x15 scoring system across all domestic tournaments from July 2026, beginning with the All India Senior Ranking Tournament in Ernakulam. The revised format features best-of-three games to 15 points, with a two-point winning margin and a 21-point cap. BAI said the move will help players, coaches and officials adapt ahead of the BWF's global rollout in January 2027, ensuring a smooth transition across all age-group competitions.
Lewis Hamilton Eyes 8th F1 Title Ahead Of Silverstone
Lewis Hamilton has clarified that the pursuit of a record eighth Formula One world title remains his biggest motivation ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The Ferrari driver sits third in the 2026 standings with 125 points, 46 behind Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, after securing his first Ferrari win and four podiums this season. Hamilton believes Ferrari is closing the gap to Mercedes and remains confident, declaring, "I won't stop 'til we get there," as he targets another strong result at his most successful circuit.
