Plauen Overview

Misfiring Ronaldo has a nightmare as Portugal narrowly win

Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating evening in Leiria as Portugal concluded their 2026 World Cup preparations with a slender 2-1 victory over Nigeria. Despite the win, the 41-year-old veteran lacked his usual clinical edge, spurning several golden opportunities to extend his legendary international goal tally.

GOAL writers predict the winners of the 2026 World Cup

It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just hours away, with the best players on the planet having descended on the United States, Canada and Mexico for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.

Inspiration for Messi, CR7? Milla, Klose among top aging WC stars

From Roger Milla to Peter Shilton, GOAL looks at some of the legendary performances from aging stars at World Cups

‘Age isn’t a problem’ for CR7 as Portugal star backed to ‘make difference’ at WC

Cristiano Ronaldo may be entering the twilight of his legendary career, but former Portugal team-mate Hugo Almeida insists the 41-year-old remains the ultimate difference-maker. As the Selecao prepare for the 2026 World Cup, expectations are soaring for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to finally secure the one trophy that has eluded him.

Portugal vs DR Congo FIFA World Cup 2026 preview

Comprehensive match preview of Portugal vs DR Congo at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more.

Portugal v Spain - UEFA Nations League 2025 Final

Ronaldo Portugal farewell? Martinez explains meaning behind Nigeria friendly

Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing to lead Portugal into a record-breaking sixth World Cup, but questions are already being asked about whether his time on home soil is coming to an end. National team boss Roberto Martinez has addressed whether a pre-tournament friendly against Nigeria serves as a final farewell for the legendary forward.

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
1	RSV Eintracht 1949	30	20	8	2	61	29	32	68	W D W L W
2	SC Freital	30	19	2	9	57	28	29	59	L W W L L
3	Plauen	30	18	5	7	52	28	24	59	W L L W W
4	VfB Auerbach	30	14	9	7	51	37	14	51	W L D L D
5	Germania Halberstadt	30	14	6	10	49	44	5	48	D L L L L

Misfiring Ronaldo has a nightmare as Portugal narrowly win

GOAL writers predict the winners of the 2026 World Cup

Inspiration for Messi, CR7? Milla, Klose among top aging WC stars

‘Age isn’t a problem’ for CR7 as Portugal star backed to ‘make difference’ at WC

Portugal vs DR Congo FIFA World Cup 2026 preview

Ronaldo Portugal farewell? Martinez explains meaning behind Nigeria friendly

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