Denmark vs Australia clash on Wednesday in what is a straight shootout for second spot in Group D for knockouts qualification.
Denmark's defeat to France on Saturday, combined with Australia's victory over Tunisia, has left the Euro 2020 semi-finalists in need of a victory to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout stage of the World Cup in Qatar.
With France's progress from Group D already assured, all three of the other sides could clinch second place, which is occupied by Australia heading into the final matchday.
Wednesday's match at Al Janoub Stadium will be the second meeting between Australia and Denmark at the World Cup, following a 1-1 draw in the group stage in 2018, and Kristensen knows it will be a battle.
"For sure we're up for it," the Leeds United defender told reporters. "If fighting is what it takes we're going to do it.
"I know a few players. We've seen the first game and we're going to watch a lot of them in the next few days.
You love to see it. We love to see it.
Thank you to all of our support here in Doha and back home!
"I think the expectations were the last game would always be decisive."
Lindstrom, who almost put Denmark ahead against France before Kylian Mbappe's second goal sealed a 2-1 victory for Les Bleus, has faith his team will get the job done.https://dataviz.theanalyst.com/ad-router/?ad=sign-up
"We have confidence, everyone has belief. We have that mentality. We will do our best," said the Eintracht Frankfurt attacker, who believes Denmark played at a much higher level against France than in their opening draw with Tunisia.
"We are really disappointed but we have to look how we can develop, how we can use the situations we created," he added.
"The second half was better than the first but we had 20 minutes where we controlled the game, we scored the goal and we had big chances."
Denmark could qualify for the knockout stage at back-to-back World Cup tournaments for a second time, previously doing so in 1998 and 2002.
The Danes have only failed to qualify from the group stage in one of their previous five appearances at the tournament, while Australia have only made it to the last 16 once in their history back in 2006.
Till now, along with the hosts USA, Mexico and Canada, eight other teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026. For the first time, 48 teams will participate in the World Cup.
Australia celebrate qualifying for their sixth straight FIFA World Cup 2026.
The participating teams' line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has started taking shape, as Iran and Argentina have booked their place from the qualification round into the finals of the tournament.
In 2022, the FIFA World Cupprovided an unforgettable experience for over 1 billion viewers who tuned in. LionelMessi-led Argentina to victory, giving the nation moments of joy and a fitting tribute to the late Diego Maradona while solidifying his place among players who have won every major trophy.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his team in their bid to improve the quality of the World Cup and promote inclusivity increased the number of teams that will participate in the World Cup from an initial 32 teams to 48 teams.
The teams will be split into 12 groups of 4 teams, with the top 2 of each group and the 8 best third-placed teams progressing to a new Round of 32,
The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The tournament will be the first hosted by three nations and the first North American World Cup since 1994 and will be the first World Cup since 2002 to be hosted by more than one nation.
Qualification for the World Cup is done based on the regions of the World. Each regional Confederation is responsible for its qualification tournament, which will consist of at least one round of competition using the following formats
Confederations can use a League format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group twice โ once at home and once away.
A single round-robin format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group once, with the venues either drawn at random or assigned by the confederation with the agreement of the playing association
A Knockout format in which each team in a round plays one other team over two legs once at home and once away.
With FIFA's permission, a tournament is held in one of the participating nations or neutral territory.
With FIFA's permission, a single-leg knockout format.
Europe has 16 slots, Asia has 8 slots with one extra from playoffs making it 9, Africa has 9 slots with one extra coming from playoffs,South America has 6 with one extra coming from playoffs making a total of 7, North America has 6 slots with 3 already taken due to the host nations.
Teams That Have Qualified
With qualifications still ongoing the only nations that have qualified are the host nations namely the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada qualification process for the World Cup will be ongoing till the end of November 2025, and till then teams will be struggling to qualify.
1. The USA
Despite not predominantly being a football nation, the United States Menโs National Team (USMNT) has managed to establish a formidable team with the likes of Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.
The appointment of Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino as their head coach shows some sign of intent that the country intends to go as far as possible in the World Cup.
Mexico has qualified for every World Cup in the past decade, but playing on home soil will give them the advantage of fan support. While they may be without their veteran goalkeeper Ochoa, who has been crucial in past tournaments, they remain a team not to be underestimated.
Canada had a memorable 2022 World Cup in Qatar, highlighted by their surprising win against Belgium. However, they lost their remaining group games to Morocco and Croatia, leading to their early exit from the tournament.
Known for their attacking football, Canada relies on pace in midfield and attack, with Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies being key to their World Cup ambitions.
Teams from the Qualifier Rounds
4. Japan
Japan has become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup from the qualification round. On March 20, Thursday, Hajime Moriyasu's side beat Bahrain 2-0 in Group C of the AFC World Cup qualifiers.
Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo scored in the second half to inspire the Samurai Blue to ensure their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, guaranteeing a top-two finish in the qualifiers standings.
New Zealand has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the third time with a 3-0 home win over New Caledonia in the OFC Qualifiers Final on Monday, March 24.
Three second-half goals from Michael Boxall, Kosta Barbarouses, and Elijah led New Zealand to a comfortable 3-0 win at Eden Park in Auckland. This win marks the All Whites' return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 when they registered three draws against Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay in South Africa.
โ New Zealand Football ๐ณ๐ฟ (@NZ_Football) March 24, 2025
For the first time, the All Whites qualified directly for a World Cup, as Oceania received an automatic spot in next yearโs 48-team tournament, rather than having to go through an intercontinental play-off as they did in the past.
6. Iran
(Image Credit | AFP)
Iran have become the second Asian side to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals following a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan on March 25 in the third round of the AFC World Cup Qualifiers Group A.
Mehdi Taremi's brace secured a point for Iran to stay atop the Group A table with 20 points in 8 matches, securing the guaranteed top two finish in the group stage. On the other hand, Uzbekistan is just one victory away from their inaugural World Cup appearance.
Tino pai to our fantastic national football team๐ Mean as! Iran has secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the third team to qualify after Japan and @NZ_Football Ka mau te wehi ๐ฎ๐ท This marks our fourth consecutive appearance after 2014,2018,and2022!#FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/2RjE9j2gpa
โ The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran (@iranembassy_nz) March 25, 2025
Despite the qualification format being made easier for Asia due to the expanded 48-team World Cup, Iran has sealed the passage to their fourth World Cup finals in a row, and seventh in their history.
In the AFC Qualifiers, the top two teams qualify directly for the World Cup, while the teams finishing third and fourth in the three Asian groups will enter an additional qualifying round.
7. Argentina
(Image Credit | EPA)
The reigning World Champions have stormed into the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a 4-1 crushing over eternal rivals Brazil in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers on March 26.
La Albiceleste currently top the table with 31 points in 14 matches, 16 points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela, with the required seven points at this point.
8. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the 8th team to qualify till now. They have qualified in virtue of finishing in the top two in Group A of the AFC's third-round of qualifiers.
This is the first time they have qualified for the FIFA World Cup. Not only that, they are the first Central Asia country to qualify for the grandest stage of football.
South Korea qualified for their 11th straight FIFA World Cup after finishing in the top two of the AFC third round qualifiers. Tottenham's Son Heung-min, Wolves' Hwang Hee-chan, Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae and Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in all will be ready to star for South Korea in the upcoming World Cup.
Ali Olwan scored a hat-trick against Oman to take Jordan to their maiden FIFA World Cup
While South Korea sealed their spot at the FIFA World Cup with that 2-0 victory over Iraq, their win also ensured that Jordan will be playing at their first-ever FIFA World Cup next year.
Ali Olwan's hat-trick has given them a big 3-0 win over Oman, and after South Korea's win, they will now create history at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
In Group B of the AFC Third round qualifiers, Jordan lost only one match and finished in the top two of the group, below South Korea.
Socceroos confirmed their place at a sixth successive FIFA World Cup after beating Saudi Arabia by 2-1 in Saudi Arabia. Connor Metcalfe (42), Mitch Duke (48) scored for the Aussies to help them win after falling behind by a 19-minute goal from Abdulrahman Al-Aboud.
Australia have now confirmed the top spot in Group C in the AFC Third round qualifiers. Japan are leading Group C, which have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
11 players who have won the most trophies in football history
Argentine legend Lionel Messi has won the most trophies in football history (46). Here are the other 10 players who follow him on this list most successful football history.
Many great players have taken the football pitch and left the fans in awe. However, only a few players have gone on to win various trophies in their careers. In this special article, we will take a look at an elite list of players who have won the most trophies in football as a player.
But, yes, the below list only counts the major trophies won with teams and only only individual awards. We wanted to be clear with that at the start. With this list of "11 players who have won the most trophies in football history," we will able to judge which player has been a part of a winning team mostly.
Though, it is not always the case that when you win a trophy, you have a big role to play in that. But, in this list, all the players listed always had big contributions to their team's success. So, without further a due, let's checkout the list.
Top 11 players with the most trophies in football:
11. Vitor Baia (34 trophies)
Vitor Baia with the 2004 UEFA Champions League Trophy for FC Porto.
Vitor Baia spent most of his career with FC Porto except playing two years for Barcelona. Baia started his career with FC Porto in 1988 and left the club to join Barcelona in 1996.
Before retiring in 2007, he played for Barcelona in two stints and won the La Liga in 1997-98 season. His most success came his boyhood club FC Porto, where he won the Liga Portugal 10 times.
However, the biggest achievement was to win the UEFA Champions League in 2004 with the Dragons. Under the visionary eyes of Jose Mourinho, they created one of the greatest underdog success stories in European football.
In a total, Baia won 25 trophies with the Porto while adding the rest to his collection of glories for Barcelona. Unfortunately, he was not able to add any trophy while playing for Portugal.
Scottish legend Sir Kenny Dalglish is Liverpool's one of the most legendary players. Apart from playing 13 years for the Reds, he played for Celtic for 8 years at the start of his career.
For Liverpool FC, he won a club record 8 Premier League titles along with three Champions League titles. He had won 7 English Super Cups and 2 FA Cup titles as well.
While playing for Celtic, he became the Scottish Champion four times.
Di Maria kissing the FIFA World CUP 2022 Trophy | Image - Mundo Deportivo
One of the most underrated players in modern football history, Di Maria always had to shine under the shadows of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Di Maria played alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina and then shared club dressing room with Cristiano at Real Madrid.
With his latest trophy for Benfica in the Portuguese Super Cup, he now has won 35 trophies in his career. Di Maria won five Ligue 1 titles with PSG and won his only Champions League title with Real Madrid.
However, just like Lionel Messi, his international success bloomed late in his career. He won the Copa America twice in 2021 and 2024. But, his major success was to win the FIFA World Cup 2022, where he scored an important in the final.
Di Maria retired from international football after the 2024 Copa America final.
#
Achievement
Year(s)
Team
Count
1
World Cup Winner
2022
Argentina
1
2
Copa Amรฉrica Winner
23/24, 20/21
Argentina
2
3
Champions League Winner
13/14
Real Madrid
1
4
Spanish Champion
11/12
Real Madrid
1
5
French Champion
Multiple Years
Paris Saint-Germain
5
6
UEFA Supercup Winner
14/15
Real Madrid
1
7
French Cup Winner
Multiple Years
Paris Saint-Germain
4
8
Spanish Cup Winner
13/14, 10/11
Real Madrid
2
9
French League Cup Winner
Multiple Years
Paris Saint-Germain
4
10
Spanish Super Cup Winner
12/13
Real Madrid
1
11
Portuguese Champion
09/10
SL Benfica
1
12
Portuguese League Cup Winner
Multiple Years
SL Benfica
3
13
Under-20 World Cup Champion
2007
Argentina U20
1
14
CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions Winner
21/22
Argentina
1
15
French Super Cup Winner
Multiple Years
Paris Saint-Germain
5
16
Olympic Medalist
2008
Argentina Olympic Team
1
17
Portuguese Super Cup Winner
2024
SL Benfica
1
Total Titles
35
8. Cristiano Ronaldo (36 trophies)
Arguably one of the greatest players in the history of football, Cristiano Ronaldo has 36 trophies in his cabinet at the moment. The Portuguese legend won his latest trophy for Portugal, as he lifted the UEFA Nations League 2025 for his country.
Ronaldo, who started his club career with Sporting CP, won the Portuguese Super Cup with the club in 2003. That was the start to a historical career which gave football fans joy for over two decades.
The Portuguese legend flourished under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. He then joined Real Madrid, where he won four of his five UEFA Champions League titles. Ronaldo has won a title for every club he has played for so far.
However, one of his biggest achievements as a player was to win the UEFA European Cup with Portugal in 2016. Besides scoring over 900 career goals, Ronaldo's success for every team is what makes him a legend.
#
Achievement
Year(s)
Club/National Team
1
European Champion
2016
Portugal
2
Champions League Winner
17/18, 16/17, 15/16, 13/14, 07/08
Real Madrid, Manchester United
3
FIFA Club World Cup Winner
2018, 2017, 2015, 2009
Real Madrid, Manchester United
4
English Champion
08/09, 07/08, 06/07
Manchester United
5
Spanish Champion
16/17, 11/12
Real Madrid
6
Italian Champion
19/20, 18/19
Juventus FC
7
UEFA Supercup Winner
17/18, 16/17, 14/15
Real Madrid
8
Winner UEFA Nations League
2019, 2025
Portugal
9
English FA Cup Winner
2004
Manchester United
10
Spanish Cup Winner
13/14, 10/11
Real Madrid
11
Italian Cup Winner
20/21
Juventus FC
12
English League Cup Winner
2009, 2006
Manchester United
13
Spanish Super Cup Winner
17/18, 12/13
Real Madrid
14
Italian Super Cup Winner
20/21, 18/19
Juventus FC
15
English Super Cup Winner
07/08
Manchester United
16
Portuguese Super Cup Winner
2003
Sporting CP
17
Arab Club Champions Cup
2023
Al-Nassr
Total Trophies
35
7. Ryan Giggs (37 trophies)
Gigs with the Champions League title for Manchester United.
Ryan Giggs played all his life for one football club; Manchester United. In his 24-year career at the club, he won a total of 37 trophies, a record for the club.
Not only that, with 13 Premier League titles, he is league's most successful player ever. With the Red Devils, he also went on to win two UEFA Champions League title.
For United, he played 963 games and has 168 goals and 265 assists, another record for United.
Busquets showing off his trophies from Treble winning season.
Sergio Busquets, the FC Barcelona and Spain legend is one of the most underrated players ever to play. The central defender was part of one of the greatest international team which won 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2010 Euros for Spain.
The former Barcelona captain won 9 La Liga titles. Not only that, he won 7 Spanish Cups and Spanish Super Cups as well for the Catalan club.
However, his biggest achievement in club football was to win three UCL titles for Barcelona. His latest trophy is the 2024 Supportersโ Shield winners with Inter Miami CF.
Maxwell won four consecutive Ligue 1 titles with PSG.
Maxwell, the Brazilian left back might be the only unknown player on this list. The defender achieved most of his success playing for PSG in France.
However, he found success with FC Barcelona as well. But, joined PSG to find more chances as well.
Maxwell's first trophy was with Cruzeiro, winning the Brazilian Cup in 2000. Soon the joined Ajax, wining two Dutch League titles.
His move to Barcelona via Inter Milan and FC Empoli saw him winning the UEFA Champions League title in 2011. But his most success came with PSG, winning the Ligue 1 four times in a row from 2013 to 2016.
Pique showing off his trophies from Treble winning season.
Another player from that legendary Spanish and Barcelona team, who features in this list. Although known for his career at FC Barcelona, Gerard Pique had success with Manchester United as well.
It might be quite revealing for many that, he played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, against whom he had some tough battles later.
Pique won 9 La Liga titles for Barcelona to go with 3 UCL titles for the club. But before reaching there he had won the Premier League and Champions League for United in the 2007-08 season.
He was also an integral part of the Spanish team which won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and UEFA Euro in 2012.
Probably the best midfielder of the modern era, Andres Iniesta with 41 trophies is the third most successful footballer ever.
Another important player of that iconic Spanish and Barcelona team, Iniesta found success early in his career. He won his first major trophy with Spain U-17 team winning the U-17 Euros in 2000. He followed that up with the U-19 Euro title next year.
His Barcelona career started in 2002 which continued till 2018. In those 17 year at Barcelona, he won 32 trophies. Post that, he joined Japanese club Viseel Kobe where he won three trophies as well.
Along with all club level success, Iniesta's greatest achievement was to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup alongside lifting the 2008 and 2012 Euro Cup. His goal in the 2010 World Cup final to hand Spain their first-ever World Cup, is regarded as one of the greatest World Cup moments.
Iniesta called it a day in 2024 after spending a year at the Emirates Club.
Dani Alves celebrating the Olympic Gold medal in Tokyo. Image | sportstar
Before Lionel Messi took over as the player with most trophies in football history, it was Dani Alves who had the record. The defender won 23 trophies in eight years at Barcelona.
Dani Alves won six La Liga and three Champions League titles with Barcelona. He then won 19 more titles while playing for Juventus, PSG, and Sao Paulo. He won domestic titles in Italy, France, Brazil and Spain as, which makes him one of the greatest of his era.
The defender won six major titles with his national team, Brazil. He started his Brazil career by winning the U-20 FIFA World Cup in 2003. Alves then won two Copa America titles in 2007 and 2019. He concluded his international career by winning the Olympic gold in 2021.
Despite the recent off-field controversies, with 43 trophies in his cabinet, Dani Alves is one of the greatest ever to play the game.
#
Achievement
Year(s)
Team
1
Copa Amรฉrica Winner
18/19, 06/07
Brazil
2
Champions League Winner
14/15, 10/11, 08/09
FC Barcelona
3
FIFA Club World Cup Winner
2016, 2012, 2010
FC Barcelona
4
Spanish Champion
15/16, 14/15, 12/13, 10/11, 09/10, 08/09
FC Barcelona
5
Italian Champion
16/17
Juventus FC
6
French Champion
18/19, 17/18
Paris Saint-Germain
7
Uefa Supercup Winner
15/16, 11/12, 09/10, 06/07
FC Barcelona, Sevilla FC
8
Uefa Cup Winner
06/07, 05/06
Sevilla FC
9
Spanish Cup Winner
15/16, 14/15, 11/12, 08/09, 06/07
FC Barcelona, Sevilla FC
10
Italian Cup Winner
16/17
Juventus FC
11
French Cup Winner
17/18
Paris Saint-Germain
12
Spanish Super Cup Winner
13/14, 11/12, 10/11, 09/10, 07/08
FC Barcelona, Sevilla FC
13
French League Cup Winner
17/18
Paris Saint-Germain
14
Confederations Cup Winner
2013, 2009
Brazil
15
Under-20 World Cup Champion
2003
Brazil U20
16
French Super Cup Winner
17/18
Paris Saint-Germain
17
Olympic Medalist
2021
Brazil Olympic Team
18.
Copa do Nordeste
2002
Bahia
19.
Campeonato Paulista
2021
Sรฃo Paulo
Total Titles
43
1. Lionel Messi (46 trophies)
Messi celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2022 victory.
Leo Messi is the player with the most trophies in football history. With his latest triumph at the 2024 Supportersโ Shield winners, the magician from Argentina won his 46th trophy in his career.
Messi won back-to-back four international trophies with Argentina within three years. He won the Copa America 2021 and then went on to win the Finalissima 2022. Then he capped off his greatest achievement by winning FIFA World Cup 2022.
The Argentine maestro has also won the Olympic Gold Medal with his country in 2008. His latest international success came in Copa America 2024.
In club football history, Messi is the most successful player with 41 club trophies to his name. He started his career with his boyhood club Barcelona and played 18 seasons for the club, scoring a record 672 goals.
The 8-time Ballon d'Or winner won four Champions League titles with Barcelona. Alongside European success, he won 10 La Liga titles as well, most for Barcelona. He has also won Spanish Cup seven times.
After his great stint at Barcelona, Messi went to the French League to play for PSG. However, he was unable to bring the UCL to the French giant, he won the French League with them. In addition, he won the French Super Cup for the season 2022-23 with PSG.
#
Achievement
Year(s)
Team
Count
1
World Cup Winner
2022
Argentina
1
2
Copa Amรฉrica Winner
23/24, 20/21
Argentina
2
3
Champions League Winner
Multiple Years
FC Barcelona
4
4
FIFA Club World Cup Winner
Multiple Years
FC Barcelona
3
5
Spanish Champion
Multiple Years
FC Barcelona
10
6
French Champion
22/23, 21/22
Paris Saint-Germain
2
7
UEFA Supercup Winner
Multiple Years
FC Barcelona
3
8
Spanish Cup Winner
Multiple Years
FC Barcelona
7
9
Spanish Super Cup Winner
Multiple Years
FC Barcelona
8
10
Supporters' Shield Winner
23/24
Inter Miami CF
1
11
Leagues Cup Winner
2023
Inter Miami CF
1
12
Under-20 World Cup Champion
2005
Argentina U20
1
13
CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions Winner
21/22
Argentina
1
14
French Super Cup Winner
22/23
Paris Saint-Germain
1
15
Olympic Medalist
2008
Argentina Olympic Team
1
Total Titles
46
Note: Debangshu Biswas first wrote this article and then got updated by Koushik Biswas. Stats are taken from Transfermakrt.com and accurate as of 19-01-2025
WTC 2023-25 Final: Australia vs South Africa match preview: Head-to-head stats, Possible XI, match prediction, streaming details
The third WTC final pits the defending champions Aussies against a determined Proteas at the Iconic Lord's. Here's everything you need to know before the WTC 2023-25 final clash of Australia vs South Africa, with head-to-head stats and more!
After two years of intense battles, captivating storylines, and relentless Test cricket, the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 Final is here! At the iconic Lord's, two formidable nations, Australia and South Africa, are set to face each other for the ultimate battle on June 11, 2025.
The Australian side will play their second WTC final, aiming to defend their hard-won title. On the other hand, the South African side is determined to shred the tag of "chokers" and hungry to claim their maiden WTC title.
This marks the first time both the teams are facing each other in an ICC tournament final. Their knockout encounters include the infamous tied 1999 World Cup semi-final, and the 2023 World Cup semi-final, and Australia won both the times.
Here's everything you need to know before the WTC 2023-25 final clash of Australia vs South Africa, with head-to-head stats and more!
Match Details
Match: Australia vs South Africa
Tournament: ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, Final
Date: 11 - 15 June, 2025
Time: 3:30 PM IST
Venue: Lord's Cricket Ground, England
Umpires: Chris Gaffaney, Richard Illingworth, Nitin Menon (Reserve)
Star Sports Network has the broadcasting rights of AUS vs SA WTC Final 2023-25. The match will be telecast live in India on TV channels of Star Sports Network.
Fans can watch the live streaming of AUS vs SA WTC Final 2023-25 online on the JioHotstar app and website.
Australia vs South Africa: Head-to-head stats in Tests
Team
Matches Played
Won
Lost
Draws
Australia
101
54
26
21
South Africa
101
26
54
21
Head-to-head Record (last 5 matches)
AUS: 2 wins
SA: 2 wins
Draws: 1
Australia and South Africa's road to final in WTC 2023-25
The Lord's pitch for the WTC Final is expected to offer a balanced but challenging surface. Fast bowlers are likely to find significant seam movement and swing in the early stages, especially with the new Duke's ball.
As the match progresses, particularly from Day 3, the pitch us expected to flatten out. This will make batting easier, though reverse swing for pacers and some turn for spinners might emergency.
English weather remains a significant factor. The captain winning the toss will likely elect to bowl first.
Overall, expect a pitch that provides a good contrast between bat and ball throughout the five days.
Australia vs South Africa: Possible Lineups
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada.
Can South Africa escape the "chokers" tag in the WTC Final against Australia?
The historical failures of Proteas, especially in knockouts is deeply ingrained in the cricketing world, making it a significant topic of discussion. Can South Africa escape the "chokers" tag in the WTC Final against Australia? Analyse the facts.
The World Test Championship 2023-25 Final isn't just another game for the Proteas; it is an opportunity for them to get rid of the "chokers" label that the team has long carried from past failures in big tournaments.
Can South Africa escape the "chokers" tag in the WTC Final against Australia? Let's check out the odds and what the numbers say about their fight for redemption.
The weight of the tag: Why "chokers"?
South African players after their defeat in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. Image | ESPNcricinfo
South Africa carries a unique burden of the "chokers" tag, which is not merely a casual insult, but a deep-seated reputation earned through a series of painful failures. Despite having world-class talent and often dominating in the group stages, they have a history of stumbling when the stakes are highest.
Here's some of the most significant losses in crucial stages, which originated the "chokers" tag:
1. 1992 World Cup Semi-final vs. England
South Africa, needing 22 runs off 13 balls, faced a controversial rain rule that dramatically revised their target to an impossible 22 runs off just one ball.
While not a "choke" in the traditional sense, but this marked their first major semi-final heartbreak.
2. 1999 World Cup Semi-final vs. Australia
South Africa needed just 1 run to win off 4 balls, while their explosive batsman Lance Klusener was on strike. However, a horrible mix-up led to the run-out of Allan Donald and the match ended in a tie.
Australia made it to the finals eventually for having better net run rate.
3. 2003 World Cup group stage exit vs. Sri Lanka
SA miscalculated the Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) target which led to their elimination from the tournament. Mark Boucher, believing they have reached the par score to win, blocked the last ball of an over, after which heavy rain stopped the game.
They were, in fact, just 1 run short of the D/L par score, resulting in a tie as well as their elimination.
They collapsed from 108/2 while chasing 222 runs and lost 8 wickets for 64 runs in a shocking defeat. They were bowled out for 172 runs.
5. 2015 World Cup Semi-final vs. New Zealand
Dropped crucial catches while defending in the second half and was was unable to play under pressure in the final overs. Everything let to a dramatic last-ball loss.
6. 2022 T20 World Cup Super 12 stage vs. Netherlands
South Africa needed a win to secure a semi-final spot in the tournament. Despite being strong favourites, they failed to chase a decent target, suffering a 13-run defeat.
7. 2023 World Cup Semi-final vs. Australia
South Africa found themselves in a familiar pattern of faltering under pressure while defending 212 runs. Despite great efforts, they could not make it and lost by 3 wickets.
8. 2024 T20 World Cup Final vs. India
While they did reach the finals after breaking their semi-final curse, they ultimately lost to India by 7 runs. Despite being in a good position at one stage, they could not maintain the required run rate in the final overs due to right bowling from Indian bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.
As a former South African wicket-keeper batsman and head coach, Mark Boucher understands the immense pressure associated with their cricket history. In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, he provided an insight about the mindset and the game.
Here's what he said:
"We're playing for a trophy, so I guess a lot of people are saying no [we can't win] but I think it's a different feel in Test match cricket. It's played over a longer period of time and you've just got to win big moments in the game as well. Yes, there will be that tag [chokers] that gets thrown our way until we win a trophy. You're not going to get rid of the tag. Is it deserving on these youngsters coming through? No, it's almost like they're carrying the burden of what happened in previous years, which is always going to be tough on them but they're the ones in control of their futures at the moment."
He also added: "If we win it, I think then that could be the turnaround for Test cricket in our country."
WTC 2023-25 Final: What this win would mean for South Africa
For South Africa, winning the WTC final would be breaking free of the "chokers" tag that has haunted them for decades. This win would also live upto the nation's expectations, inspire future generations, and earn them global respect as true champions.
Portugal vs Denmark Highlights UEFA Nations League 2025 Quarter finals Second Leg: Trincao's brace helped Portugal to secure their spot in the Semifinals | POR 5-2 DEN (AGG. DEN 3-5 POR)
Catch the highlights of the Portugal vs Denmark match in the UEFA Nations League 2025 at Estรกdio Josรฉ Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal.
Hello and welcome to another UEFA Nations League, tonight we will bring you all the updates of a heated clash between Portugal and Denmark in UEFA Nations League second leg at Estรกdio Josรฉ Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal.
Denmark will be in the away turf so this fixture will be difficult matchup for them. However, Denmark won previous leg with a 1-0 win over Portugal thanks to Ramus Hojlund's late winner. Despite, Diego Costa's brilliant performance Portugal failed to win the previous leg.
On the other hand, this will be a home game for Portugal. Moreover, Denmark won the previous leg, Portugal is not just to away from the game.
So, sit back and relax, as we will bring you all the updates of the Portugal vs Denmark match in UEFA Nations League. Hello, I am Swastik Debnath, and I will bring you all the updates from the webdesk.
LIVE Updates
Mar 23, 2025, 9:57 PM
Moments & Full-time verdict!
Portugal advanced in emphatic style, overcoming an early setback to defeat Denmark 5-2 on the night and 5-3 on aggregate. Despite Cristiano Ronaldoโs shocking penalty miss in the 6th minute, Portugal found their breakthrough thanks to a bit of fortune โ a Joachim Andersen own goal in the 38th minute gave them a narrow halftime lead.
Denmark came out fighting in the second half, with Rasmus Kristensenโs composed finish in the 56th minute briefly sparking hope for the Danes. But when the pressure mounted, Portugalโs stars rose to the occasion. Ronaldo redeemed himself with a 72nd-minute strike, only for Christian Eriksen to level things again just four minutes later in a dramatic exchange.
The turning point came through Francisco Trincรฃo, whose clinical finishes in the 81st and 91st minutes shattered Danish resilience. Gonรงalo Ramos sealed the victory in extra time with a composed goal in the 115th minute, ensuring Portugalโs place in the next round.
Ronaldoโs missed penalty could have defined the night โ but instead, it was Portugalโs relentless attacking depth and resilience that stole the show.
Goncalo Ramos 115th minutes POR 5-2 DEN
Francisco Trincao 91ST minute POR 4-2 DEN
Francisco Trincao 86th minute POR 3-2 DEN
Christien Eriksen 76th minute POR 2-2 DEN
Rasmus Kristiensen on 56th minute POR 1-1 DEN
Cristiano Ronaldo 72 minutes POR 2-1 DEN
Portugal's Talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in the 6th minute
Mar 23, 2025, 10:44 PM
Thank you and stay tuned!
This is it for this game.
Hope you enjoyed the Live match.
We will be back very soon with another Nations League Live.
Good Night, Stay Tuned!
Mar 23, 2025, 10:26 PM
End of the match: POR 5-2 DEN (agg, POR 5-3 DEN)
Trincao's brace helped Portugal to secure their spot in the semifinal, in the semis they will face Germany.
Mar 23, 2025, 10:23 PM
120+1' | Yellow card to Vastergaard
Mar 23, 2025, 10:23 PM
End of the 120 minutes | extra 1 minutes added
Mar 23, 2025, 10:18 PM
115' | GOALLL! POR 5-2 DEN (agg. POR 5-3 DEN)
Diego Jota puts a brilliant ball into the final third to Goncalo Ramos, surely Portugal books their spot into the semi-final with this goal.
Mar 23, 2025, 10:14 PM
113' | Brilliant save by Schmeichel
Mar 23, 2025, 10:14 PM
112' | Free Kick to Denmark
Inacio commits a foul on Biereth, and the referee awards a freekick to Denmark
Mar 23, 2025, 10:12 PM
111' | Throw in to Denmark
Mar 23, 2025, 10:10 PM
108' | Free Kick to Denmark
Nelsen Semedo commits a foul on Harder, as the referee awards a free kick to Denmark.
Mar 23, 2025, 10:07 PM
106' | Second half of the Extra time begins!
Mar 23, 2025, 10:06 PM
End of the first half of the Extra Time!
PORTUGAL 4-2 DENMARK (agg. DEN 3-4 POR)
Mar 23, 2025, 10:05 PM
105+3' | Yellow card to Denmark
Andersen commits an awful foul on Goncalo Ramos, as the referee shows the yellow to Andersen.
Mar 23, 2025, 10:03 PM
105+2' | Brilliant Defending by Ruben Dias
Mar 23, 2025, 10:02 PM
105+1' | Goal Disallowed!
Diego Jota's goal disallowed, as Jota was in an offside position
Mar 23, 2025, 9:59 PM
99' | Change for Denmark
IN: Conard Harder
OUT: Patrick Dorgu
Mar 23, 2025, 9:58 PM
97' | Substitution for Portugal
IN: Ruben Neves
OUT: Vitinha
Mar 23, 2025, 9:51 PM
96' | Corner to Denmark
Mar 23, 2025, 9:48 PM
91' | Madnesss in Lisbon!
Francisco Trincao helps to take the lead, what a night is going for the Youngster.
Mar 23, 2025, 9:46 PM
91'| First portion of Extra time begins!
Mar 23, 2025, 9:43 PM
End of the 90 minutes | The match will move forward on extra time in Lisbon
Portugal 3-2 Denmark (agg. Denmark 3-3 Portugal)
Mar 23, 2025, 9:41 PM
90+4' | Chance for Portugal!
Diego Jota tries his luck with a power shot from outside of the box, but he fails to find the back of the net.
Mar 23, 2025, 9:39 PM
90+3' | Corner for Denamrk
Mar 23, 2025, 9:38 PM
90+2' | Change for Portugal
IN: Goncalo Ramos
OUT: Cristiano Ronaldo
Mar 23, 2025, 9:37 PM
90+1' | Brilliant defending By Inacios
Mar 23, 2025, 9:37 PM
End of 90 minutes | 4 minutes added
Mar 23, 2025, 9:33 PM
86' | Madness in Lisbon!
The game is still on, as Francisco Trincao equalizes the scoreline and aggregate too, a brilliant goal by the youngster.
Mar 23, 2025, 9:31 PM
86' | Double Subs for Denmark
IN: Christian Norgaard, Christian Eriksen
OUT: Victor Froholdt, Morten Frendrup
Mar 23, 2025, 9:30 PM
81' | Changes for Portugal
IN: Nelsen Semedo, Francisco Trincao
out: Diego Dalot, Francisco Conceiรงรฃo
Mar 23, 2025, 9:25 PM
76' | GOALLL! POR 2-2 DEN (AGG. DEN 3-2 POR)
Christian Eriksen is the savior of Denmark, as Patrick Dorgu finds Eriksen in the final third and Eriksen scores the goal.
Mar 23, 2025, 9:23 PM
73' | Double subs to Denmark
IN: Mika Biereth, Victor Kristiensen
OUT: Rasmus Hojlund, Gustav Iskasen
Mar 23, 2025, 9:20 PM
72' | GOALLLL! POR 2-1 DEN (AGG. DEN 2-2 POR)
Bruno Fernandes tried his luck with a power shot from outside of the box, but the shot struck by the post, but the rebound finds Ronaldo and he scores the equalizer.
Mar 23, 2025, 9:17 PM
70' | Free Kick to Denmark
Francisco Conceiรงรฃo commits a foul Norgaard, and the referee awards a free kick to Denmark
Mar 23, 2025, 9:16 PM
69' | Brilliant defending by Denish defenders
Danish defenders surely block the way to make a comeback.
Mar 23, 2025, 9:15 PM
67' | Free Kick to Denmark
Dalot commits a foul on his Manchester United team mate Rasmus Hojlund, and the referee awards a free-kick to Denmark
Mar 23, 2025, 9:13 PM
66' | Yellow card to Denmark
Norgaard commits an awful foul on Francisco Conceiรงรฃo, as the referee shows the yellow to Norgaard
Mar 23, 2025, 9:11 PM
64' | Substitution for Denmark
IN: Andreas Skov Olsen
OUT: Jasper Lindstrom
Mar 23, 2025, 9:09 PM
62' | Substitution for Portugal
IN: Diego Jota
OUT: Rafael Leao
Mar 23, 2025, 9:08 PM
61' | Offside!
Bernando Silva is in an offside position.
Mar 23, 2025, 9:03 PM
56' | GOALLL! POR 1-1 DEN (AGG. DEN 2-1 POR)
Eriksen puts a brilliant cross into the box from the corner flag, and Kristiensen scores the goal with a header.
Mar 23, 2025, 9:01 PM
55' | Corner to Denmark
Mar 23, 2025, 9:01 PM
53' | Chance for Portugal
Francisco Conceiรงรฃo tries his luck with a curler from outside of the box, but the curler takes a deflection and misses the net by an inch
Mar 23, 2025, 8:58 PM
50' | Yellow to Portugal
Ruben Dias commits a foul on Lindstrom, as the referee shows the yellow to Dias
Mar 23, 2025, 8:57 PM
50' | Yellow to Denmark
Eriksen commits a foul on Bruno, as the referee shows the yellow to Eriksen
Mar 23, 2025, 8:56 PM
49' | Chance for Denmark
Hijlumund tries his luck from outside the box, but the shot misses an inch of the net.
Mar 23, 2025, 8:55 PM
48' | Brilliant defending by Diego Dalot
Mar 23, 2025, 8:52 PM
46' | Second half begins
Mar 23, 2025, 8:43 PM
Half time moments!
Mar 23, 2025, 8:39 PM
End of the first half | POR 1-0 DEN (AGG. DEN 1-1 POR)
Bagud ved pausen efter portugisisk pres, hvor Schmeichel ellers har reddet straffe.
Det er slet ikke fรฆrdigt endnu - kom sรฅ, drenge!
โ Fodboldlandsholdene ๐ฉ๐ฐ (@dbulandshold) March 23, 2025
Mar 23, 2025, 8:35 PM
45' | Goal Disallowed!
Ronaldo's goal was disallowed by the referee, cause he is in an offside position.
Mar 23, 2025, 8:32 PM
45' | Corner to Portugal!
Brilliant in the swinging corner by Bruno in the final third, but Schmeichel somehow declines the chance.
Mar 23, 2025, 8:30 PM
43' | Offside!
Ronaldo is in an offside position.
Mar 23, 2025, 8:27 PM
38' | GOALLLL! POR 1-0 DEN (AGG. DEN 1-1 POR)
The game is still on, in Lisbon, as Denmark's marquee defender, Joachim Andersen scored in his net, terrible defending by the Denish man
Mar 23, 2025, 8:24 PM
37' | Corner to Portugal
Mar 23, 2025, 8:24 PM
36' | Chance for Portugal
Vitinha tries his luck from outside of the box, but he fails to find the back of the net, as his short misses the net by inches.
Mar 23, 2025, 8:22 PM
34' | Portugal is applying a press system on Denmark!
Roberto Martinez's managed side is applying a high-intensity press on Denmark, Is it a way to comeback?
Mar 23, 2025, 8:19 PM
30' | Brilliant defending by Vestergaard
Vestergaard surely denies the chance to level the scoreline with his sliding tackle on Cristiano.
Mar 23, 2025, 8:16 PM
29' | Portugal is looking to hold on to the ball!
Mar 23, 2025, 8:14 PM
26' | Free Kick to Denmark
Vitinha commits a foul on Hijlumund, and the referee awards the free kick to Denmark.
Mar 23, 2025, 8:13 PM
25' | Free Kick to Denmark
Francisco Conceiรงรฃo commits a foul on Dorgu, as the referee awards the free-kick to Denmark.
Mar 23, 2025, 8:10 PM
22' | Free Kick to Denmark
Inacio commits a foul on Hojlund, as the referee awards a free-kick to Denmark
Mar 23, 2025, 8:09 PM
21' | Denmark is pushing in to take an early lead!
Mar 23, 2025, 8:08 PM
20' | Brilliant defending by Kristiansen
Mar 23, 2025, 8:06 PM
18' | Free Kick to Denmark
Bernando Silva commits a foul on Kristiansen, as the referee awards a free kick to Denmark.
Mar 23, 2025, 8:05 PM
17' | Brilliant save by Schmeichel
Nuno Mendez puts a cross into the final third for Cristiano, but Schmeichel's full-stretched save denies the chance.
Mar 23, 2025, 8:02 PM
14' | Portugal is looking to hold on to the ball!
With Denmark keeping their defense tight, Portugal is seeking the right time to score the leveler and equalize the aggregate.
Mar 23, 2025, 8:00 PM
Moments till now
Portugal missed an early opportunity to score the equalizer, as Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty.
Mar 23, 2025, 7:58 PM
11' | Throw in to Denmark
Mar 23, 2025, 7:56 PM
9'| Corner to Portugal
Mar 23, 2025, 7:54 PM
6' | Penalty missed!
Ronaldo's penalty was a terrible one, and Schmeichel comfortably saved the kick.
Mar 23, 2025, 7:52 PM
3' | Penalty to Portugal!
What a start for Portugal! Nuno Mendes crossed to Ronaldo, but Dorgu pushed Ronaldo from his back, and the referee awarded Portugal a penalty. The decision was checked by VAR, and the decision stays.
Mar 23, 2025, 7:48 PM
1'| Kick Off
The match is underway in Lisbon.
Mar 23, 2025, 7:11 PM
Strating XI: Denmark
Kasper Schmeichel (GK), Joachim Andersen, Jannik Vastergaard, Patrick Dorgu, Gustav Iskasen, Rasmus Hojlund, Rasmus Kristiensen, Christian Norgaard, Jasper Lindstrom, Morten Hijlumand.
โ Fodboldlandsholdene ๐ฉ๐ฐ (@dbulandshold) March 23, 2025
Mar 23, 2025, 7:08 PM
Starting XI: Portugal
Diego Costa (GK), Diego Dalot, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Bernando Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Francisco Conceiรงรฃo, Rafel Leao, Cristiano Ronaldo
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