Milanello Corner

   Ecuador kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign alive after battling to a 2-1 victory over an already-qualified Germany. Gonzalo Plata's second-half winner secured all three points for La Tricolor, while also confirming their place in the knockout stage as one of the tournament's eight best third-placed teams. Spirited Ecuador Edged Germany  Sitting third in Group E with just one point before the final round, Ecuador knew only a victory would keep their World Cup hopes alive. However, it was Germany who made the perfect start, taking the lead after just two minutes through Leroy Sané . Fortunately for La Tricolor, they responded quickly. A fortunate break allowed Nilson Angulo to race through on goal before firing a superb strike past Manuel Neuer in the ninth minute. The 1-1 scoreline remained until half-time, giving Ecuador plenty of confidence as Julian Nagelsmann's side appeared content with their already-secured qualification. Germany's lack of urgency becam...

  South Africa stunned South Korea to book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage with a hard-fought 1-0 victory. A second-half goal from Thapelo Maseko proved enough to earn all three points and lift Bafana Bafana into the Group A runners-up spot.  South Africa Shock South Korea to Secure a Knockout Ticket After receiving heavy criticism following their disappointing opening defeat to Mexico, South Africa turned things around in remarkable fashion in their final Group A match. Sitting at the bottom of the table with just one point before kick-off, Bafana Bafana knew that only a victory would keep their World Cup dream alive. Meanwhile, South Korea needed only a draw to secure qualification but remained determined to claim all three points. Following an entertaining yet goalless first half, South Africa finally made the breakthrough in the 63rd minute as Maseko finished clinically from inside the penalty area. The goal stunned the Taegeuk Warriors, who pus...

  Brazil secured top spot in Group C at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Scotland 3-0 in their final group-stage match. Vinicius Junior starred once again for Seleção , scoring twice, while Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha added a third goal to seal a convincing victory.

  Switzerland secured their passage into the knockout stage as Group B winners after defeating one of the host nations, Canada, 2-1. The victory ensured Murat Yakin's side advanced as group winners, while Les Rouges had to settle for a second-place finish.

  England 's World Cup 2026 campaign hit a slight setback after they were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Ghana. The result leaves both teams on four points from two matches, with qualification to the knockout stage still hanging in the balance heading into the final round of fixtures.

  Portugal finally secured their first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after cruising to a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics with a brace as the Selecao das Quinas collected three important points to keep their qualification hopes firmly on track.

  Kylian Mbappe continued his excellent goalscoring form at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by netting twice in France's 3-0 victory over Iraq. Les Bleus' win also secured their place in the knockout stage after collecting six points from their opening two matches.