The reported "leading candidate" to take over for Roberto Martinez as Portugal's coach has ties to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Luis Castro, the former Al-Nassr head coach who worked closely with Ronaldo during his second season in Saudi Arabia, has insisted that the legendary forward should not be the scapegoat for Portugal's exit.

Belgium completes a thumping 4-1 win over the United States, who started Folarin Balogun after his controversial reprieve from FIFA.

Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup dream ended in tears as Mikel Merino stepped off the bench to fire Spain into the quarterfinals with an injury-time winner in Dallas. The Portuguese superstar had been a passenger for much of a low-key contest that belatedly sprang into life when Merino followed up his quick free quick to nip into the box and fire the only goal of the game past keeper Diogo Costa.

Ruben Dias stormed out of a bizarre mixed zone interview after Portugal crashed out of the World Cup with defeat against Spain on Monday. Roberto Martinez's men were sent home from the tournament at the round of 16 after Mikel Merino popped up with a late winner for the European champions at the AT&T Stadium.

Wearing bracelets and playing with heavy hearts, Portugal keeping spirit of late forward Diogo Jota alive in this World Cup.

Croatia have filed a formal complaint to FIFA following their World Cup exit against Portugal, citing an abuse of technology regarding a disallowed goal.