Substitute Goncalo Ramos’s headed goal edged Portugal into the last 16 of the World Cup on Thursday after Croatia were dramatically denied an equalizer by VAR.

Argentina are among the favourites to retain their title and secure a fourth World Cup crown after Messi scored six times in three dominant group stage wins.

Australia or Egypt await in the last 16 if Argentina end the Cape Verde dream in Miami on Friday, while Switzerland or Colombia are likely quarter-final opponents for La Albiceleste.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday his country’s World Cup team had been “screwed” and called for an appeal after star striker Folarin Balogun was sent off against Bosnia.

Spain coasted past Austria and into the World Cup last-16 on Thursday, thoroughly outclassing their opponents in a 3-0 knockout win with a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal and a Pedro Porro header.

Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz said Thursday it was his team’s “duty” to ensure an African side reached the World Cup round of 16 after a string of knockout defeats for teams from the continent.

The victory marked a winning start for newly appointed head coach, David Fizdale, who took charge of his first competitive game with the team.

UEFA has confirmed that players who cover their mouths while confronting opponents will not automatically receive red cards in its competitions, opting against adopting the recently introduced law for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.

Ancelotti could opt for a like-for-like replacement in Danilo Santos, or alter his set-up to accommodate a more attacking player, such as Endrick or Gabriel Martinelli.

Nagelsmann, 38, has been under fire since Germany’s last 32 exit from the World Cup after a shock loss to Paraguay.