Jorge Jesus appointed Portugal manager, Ronaldo future in focus

Jorge Jesus takes over as Portugal manager

Jorge Jesus is the new Portugal national team coach (1) (9). The former Benfica and Flamengo boss replaces Roberto Martinez, who stepped down immediately after the World Cup round of 16 exit to Spain.

Pepe will not join Jesus's technical staff (1). That door is closed from the start.

Jesus on Ronaldo: "I still wouldn't call him a 'Portugal Legend'"

Jesus did not waste time making his stance clear on Cristiano Ronaldo. "If I were someone from the Federation, I still wouldn't call him a 'Portugal Legend'" (3).

Ronaldo confirmed after the Spain defeat that it was his final World Cup. Jesus now faces the question of how, and whether, the 39-year-old fits into the next cycle.

Yamal: "Portugal were one of the three best teams at this World Cup"

Lamine Yamal, whose Spain side knocked Portugal out 1–0 in the round of 16, praised your team after the match. "Portugal were one of the three best teams at this World Cup" (2).

High praise from a player who ended Ronaldo's international career, the same way he had previously ended Toni Kroos's.

"Total disappointment" among Portuguese fans in the US

Portuguese supporters in the United States did not hide their feelings. "Total disappointment," was the phrase used to describe the early exit (4).

The mood is captured bluntly elsewhere: "The way Portugal played in this World Cup, they already looked like an eliminated team" (5).

Spain face Belgium in the quarterfinal Friday

Spain, who beat your team 1–0 with Mikel Merino's late goal, play Belgium in the World Cup quarterfinal on Friday (8). Luis de la Fuente's side have yet to concede in the tournament.

João Pinheiro referees Argentina vs Switzerland

Portuguese referee João Pinheiro has been appointed for the Argentina vs Switzerland World Cup match (9). A point of pride on a day of transition for Portuguese football.

Fan reactions

The wider World Cup conversation has shifted to goals. This tournament has produced 280 goals in 96 matches, a rate of 2.92 per game, outpacing Qatar 2022. But one stat is turning heads more than any other: Spain still have not conceded. As one fan put it, "The highest scoring World Cup in the last five tournaments, and Spain still haven't conceded." Read the full thread here