Jorge Jesus named Portugal manager as Spain advance again

Jorge Jesus is the new Portugal manager

It is official. Jorge Jesus has been appointed as Portugal's new head coach, taking over from Roberto Martinez (1). Martinez stepped down immediately after the round of 16 exit to Spain. Jesus, formerly of Benfica and Flamengo, now gets the job of rebuilding after the World Cup disappointment.

Spain beat Belgium 2–1, Merino strikes late again

Mikel Merino did it again. Spain 2–1 Belgium, the same Merino who knocked Portugal out with his late winner in the round of 16 (6). Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring before Charlie Kettle equalised for Belgium. Merino's goal settled it. Spain are into the quarter-finals. Portugal fans know exactly how Belgium feel.

Ronaldo's exit hits World Cup ticket prices hard

Portugal's elimination has sent ticket prices tumbling. Some quarter-final tickets dropped over 50% after Ronaldo and your team went out (2). The Ronaldo effect cuts both ways, his presence fills stadiums, and his absence empties wallets.

City and Spurs circling a Portugal international

Manchester City and Tottenham are both watching a Portugal national team player, according to transfer reports (3). No name yet. The window is open and post-tournament movement is picking up. Your team may have another saga brewing.

Benfica face Flamengo Saturday in pre-season opener

Benfica kick off pre-season against Flamengo this Saturday at the Estádio do Algarve, competing for the Troféu do Algarve (4). It is Marco Silva's first match in charge. Lucas Paquetá, Nicolás Otamendi, and Ángel Di María are among the names expected to feature.

Fan reactions

Portugal's exit still stings, and fans are picking over the tactical details. One Madrid supporter confessed they still do not understand what an 'elite tempo controller' brings, after someone used the phrase to explain what Portugal lacked against Spain. The discussion has drifted into what separates world-class midfielders from the rest, a debate that feels sharper when your own team just lost to one. Read the full thread