Portugal confirmed the downfall of the Iberian nations at the World Cup in Uzbekistan. Following Spain’s shocking elimination by Venezuela, the reigning champion Portugal also faced a surprising and well-earned defeat against Kazakhstan (1-2). Who had been Spain’s first opponent in Andijan. This marks only the second time in World Cup history that the defending champion has been knocked out in the round of 16—the first being Brazil in Colombia 2016. With just 14 seconds left, the Kazakhs ended Portugal’s golden era, which had seen them win the 2021 World Cup, two European Championships (2018, 2022), and the 2022 Finalissima. Portugal also became the first country to hold both the senior and Under-19 Euro titles simultaneously (2023).
Kazakhstan, despite missing two of its key naturalized players, Edson and Taynan, due to passport controversies, secured their second consecutive spot in the World Cup’s top eight with goals from native players. Veteran closer Chingiz Yessenamanov and promising center Dauren Tursagulov. Coach Paulo Ricardo Figueiró Silva, also known as Kaká, led Kazakhstan to victory, avenging their semifinal loss to Portugal in Lithuania 2021. That match had ended 2-2 after regulation and extra time, with Portugal winning 4-3 on penalties. Leo Higuita in goal and Douglas Junior, both still among the world’s best despite their age, were instrumental in the win. Despite Zicky Té’s goal, Portugal, alongside Spain, exits the tournament as one of its biggest disappointments. Kazakhstan now awaits the winner of the Argentina-Croatia match for their quarterfinal clash on Monday .
Marocco Shined
Meanwhile, the Iran-Morocco match had its own dramatic conclusion, with a potential penalty review at the end of the Portugal-Kazakhstan game being overshadowed by a last-minute foul review in Iran’s favor. A double penalty was awarded to Iran, but Moslem Oladghobad’s shot hit the post. Morocco had shined in the first half (4-1) with goals from Barcelona’s Khalid Bouzid, Alireza Rafieipour, left-footed Soufiane El Mesrar, and Idriss Raiss El Fenni. Iran, led by Hossein Tayebi, staged a comeback attempt that ultimately fell short, even with a missed six-meter shot after the final whistle. Morocco, the African champion, will face Brazil, the South American champion and tournament favorite, in the quarterfinals on Sunday.
The final two quarterfinal spots will be decided on Friday with Thailand-France and Argentina-Croatia. The Thailand-France match promises intrigue, as French players and staff are set to respond to harsh comments made by Thailand’s coach, Miguel Rodrigo, after their loss to Iran. Two key players from League champions Jimbee Cartagena, Souheil Mouhoudine and Muhammad Osamanmusa, will battle Paraguay in the quarterfinals on Monday. Ukraine and Venezuela will also face off in the quarterfinals on Sunday.