Brazil remain in first place in FIFA's latest world rankings, released on Friday, while Portugal's rise back into the top 10 ensured they will be seeded for their forthcoming World Cup play-off. Just three ranking points separate Brazil from second-placed Spain while the Netherlands, Italy and Germany complete an unchanged top five.
Amandeep Johl and Arjun Singh will represent India at the World Cup of Golf qualifiers from October 6 to 9.
As the tournament gets to the next round here's look at the quarter-finalists.
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said reaching the Euro 2004 final with Portugal is a greater thrill than winning the World Cup with Brazil. \n\n
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo won the FIFA Ballon d'Or award for the second year running and the third overall on Monday after a prolific, trophy-filled year with Real Madrid.
On a seismic day in the history of Chelsea, Romelu Lukaku scored the winning goal in a 3-2 FA Cup fifth-round victory
India began the year on 97 in FIFA rankings, but after two wins, four draws and seven losses, the country ended 2019 at 108
'Oh, I need competition. When someone says he's better than me, I want to transcend him. Ronaldo wants to be the best at everything, (France striker Kylian) Mbappe also wants to win everything.'
'It was deserved victory, definitely, for France, said Portugal's Brazilian coach.
Dirk Kuyt, Mark van Bommel, Van Persie and Cocu all had gilt-edged opportunities to keep the Dutch run going but spurned them.
Spain coach Fernando Hierro said he had no regrets at taking the job two days before the World Cup despite his side's second-round exit at the hands of hosts Russia on Sunday.
'We were not lying yesterday when we said in the press conference Iran is a tough team'
Spain snatched a 2-2 draw against Morocco on Monday to qualify for the World Cup last 16 and take top spot in Group B ahead of Portugal on goals scored.
Deschamps has proven both innovative and brave as coach, and is now one victory away from joining an elite club.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is investigating allegations that coach Carlos Queiroz insulted members of Portugal's anti-doping authority during the World Cup training camp in May, Secretary of State for Sports Laurentino Dias said.
Europe's national teams will emerge from a 10-month hiatus as the second edition of the UEFA Nations League kicks off this week, still under the shadow the COVID-19 pandemic which brought football to a standstill earlier this year.
Spain squeezed past dogged Iran 1-0 in their World Cup Group B encounter on Wednesday, thanks to a fortuitous goal from Diego Costa, but the Europeans suffered a string of second-half scares.
The Indian football team moved a place up to 168 in the latest FIFA rankings issued on Thursday.
Portugal's impressive midfielder Renato Sanches is finally ready for his Bayern Munich debut although the 19-year-old Euro 2016 winner still faces a tough challenge to claim a regular place in the team. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has said that Sanches could make his debut away to Schalke 04 on Friday (1830 GMT) if Arturo Vidal is still worn out after his long trip from South America, where he played two World Cup qualifiers for Chile in five days.
Star Australian opener David Warner did a Cristiano Ronaldo during the ongoing T20 World Cup as he removed Coca Cola bottles placed in front of him during a press conference for a brief while.
'Wayne Rooney is the golden boy of English football. Don't kill him,' coach Sven-Goran Eriksson urged.
'In my opinion he has taken on more challenges and succeeded at all of them. He's the most complete player I have seen and his work ethic, as I mentioned, is unmatched.'
Portugal decided not to appeal his red card received in the stormy second-round win over the Netherlands.
'End of the World Cup after bizarre gangster duel, Orange in tears after 1-0 loss,' said a Dutch daily newspaper.
The Dutch striker has been banned for two World Cup qualifying matches for insulting referee Anders Frisk.
China can challenge for World Cup glory by 2026 , says Eriksson.
The Indian football team continued to paint a grim picture as they are languishing down at 156th spot in the latest FIFA rankings.
Portugal football legend Eusebio, who was top scorer at the 1966 World Cup, has died from a heart attack at the age of 71, Portuguese media reported on Sunday.
France coach Didier Deschamps did not hide his bitter disappointment after finding himself on the losing end of a final for a change on Sunday.
With the world watching him in a World Cup opener against Iceland, the normally brilliant Messi struck a weak spot-kick that was saved, leaving Argentina with a disappointing 1-1 draw.
Factbox on Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who announced his retirement from international football on Friday.
The Barcelona playmaker, who has started only once in five internationals since Dunga replaced Carlos Alberto Parreira as Brazil coach in August, is suffering from a calf muscle problem.
To play again in Brazil is a dream come true, said former Portugal midfielder Deco after completing his move to championship leaders Fluminense on Monday.
"Since 2008 we have never gone beyond this first knockout game and it was very important for us to get that monkey off our back," Modric said.
Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas was released from hospital on Monday after suffering a heart attack in training last week.
A goal by striker David Villa earned Spain a 1-0 win over neighbours Portugal and a World Cup quarter-final place after an entertaining match on Tuesday in which the Portuguese also created several chances.
