Gaucho 1. Div. championship final Overview

Cape Verde have made football history by becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout stages. Following a gritty group campaign, the Atlantic islanders have set up a dream round-of-32 showdown against Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina.

Germany legend Toni Kroos has pulled no punches in his assessment of the national team following their underwhelming group-stage conclusion. The 2014 World Cup winner warned that Julian Nagelsmann's side face an immediate exit in the knockout rounds unless they urgently address glaring defensive vulnerabilities and recover the form of their talismanic players.

Rudi Garcia launched a strong defence of Belgium's experienced stars after their emphatic victory secured top spot in their World Cup group. The boss said criticism of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard before the tournament was unfair, insisting the trio proved their quality on the pitch.

Fernando Muslera has accepted responsibility for Uruguay's World Cup exit after requesting to be substituted at half-time against Spain. Marcelo Bielsa confirmed the veteran goalkeeper made the decision himself following the error that led to Alex Baena's winning goal in Uruguay's 1-0 defeat.