United News of Bangladesh

Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran, who played a key role in his country's rise in international cricket, died on Tuesday at the age of 38 after a prolonged illness, the Afghanistan Cricket Board said. Zadran had been receiving treatment at a hospital in New Delhi since January after being diagnosed with an advanced form of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare immune disorder in which overactive white blood cells attack the body's own organs. His family said his condition was complicated by a severe infection, including tuberculosis that spread to his brain. His brother, Ghamai Zadran, and former Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan accompanied him to India after he fell ill in Afghanistan last October. "With profound grief and deep sorrow, the Afghanistan Cricket Board mourns the passing of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran," the board said in a statement. A left-arm fast bowler, Zadran made his international debut in 2009 and played 44 one-day internationals and 36 Twenty20 internationals for Afghanistan. His last international appearance came in 2020. He continued playing domestic cricket until 2022 and announced his retirement in January 2025. The Afghanistan Cricket Board called him one of the "foundation-laying figures" of the national team and said his dedication helped Afghanistan establish itself in international cricket. Zadran is best known for hitting the winning runs in Afghanistan's victory over Scotland national cricket team at the 2015 Cricket World Cup in Dunedin. It was Afghanistan's first win at a 50-over World Cup. "Throughout his career, Shapoor served Afghanistan cricket with honor, courage, and pride," the board said. Zadran died a day before his 39th birthday. END/UNB/SHT/FH

The race for the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals continues on Tuesday with two final round-of-16 matches, headlined by a much-anticipated showdown between Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Egypt star Mohamed Salah in Atlanta. The winner of the clash will move a step closer to the title, while the losing side will see its World Cup campaign come to an end. The knockout stage has already featured several standout performances from football's biggest stars. France, inspired by Kylian Mbappé, secured a place in the last eight, while Norway advanced behind Erling Haaland. England also booked a quarterfinal berth after edging Mexico 3-2, whereas Portugal exited the tournament following a 1-0 defeat to Spain in what was Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance. Defending champions Argentina enter Tuesday's match led by Messi, who continues to impress at the age of 39. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has scored seven goals in four matches, matching Mbappé and Haaland in the race for the tournament's Golden Boot. Messi has also extended his record by scoring in eight consecutive World Cup matches dating back to Argentina's title-winning campaign in 2022, taking his overall World Cup tally to 20 goals. Egypt, meanwhile, will rely heavily on Mohamed Salah, who has long been the face of the country's football. The Liverpool forward has scored three World Cup goals, one shy of the Egyptian national team's all-time international scoring record held by current coach Hossam Hassan. Salah has already helped Egypt reach new milestones by guiding the Pharaohs to their first-ever World Cup group-stage victory and their maiden knockout-stage win after eliminating Australia in a penalty shootout. Neither Messi nor Salah has confirmed whether they will continue playing international football after the tournament, adding further significance to Tuesday's encounter. In the day's other last-16 fixture, Switzerland will take on Colombia in Vancouver. Colombia will become the only team to have played matches in all three host nations — Mexico, the United States and Canada — during this expanded World Cup. Colombia reached the knockout stage after victories over Uzbekistan, Congo and Ghana, while Switzerland advanced by defeating Algeria 2-0 for its first World Cup knockout win since 1938. However, the Swiss could be without several key players, with Johan Manzambi, Ruben Vargas and Djibril Sow all facing fitness concerns after cutting short Monday's training session. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni warned against underestimating Egypt, noting that several traditional football powers have already been eliminated in an unpredictable tournament. "This World Cup has shown there are no clear favorites," Scaloni said, recalling Argentina's hard-fought extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the previous round. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan also expressed confidence ahead of the match, insisting his side is capable of producing another upset. The winner of Argentina-Egypt will face the victor of the Switzerland-Colombia match in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Kansas City. France, Belgium, Spain, Norway and England have already secured their places in the last eight. Round of 16 schedule (BD time): Tuesday, July 7: — Argentina vs. Egypt, 10:00pm in Atlanta Wednesday, July 8: — Switzerland vs. Colombia, 2:00am in Vancouver, British Columbia Quarterfinals schedule Friday, July 10: — Morocco vs. France, 2:00am in Foxborough, Massachusetts Saturday, July 11: — Spain vs. Belgium, 1:00am in Inglewood, California Sunday, July 12: — Norway vs. England, 3:00am in Miami Gardens, Florida — Argentina-Egypt winner vs. Switzerland-Colombia winner, 7:00am in Kansas City, Missouri

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan used his pre-match press conference on Monday to express strong support for the Palestinian people, briefly shifting attention away from his team's upcoming FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against defending champions Argentina. Speaking ahead of Tuesday's knockout match, Hassan delivered an emotional statement on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, saying compassion for Palestinians transcends nationality, religion and politics. "If there is anyone in the world who does not feel for the Palestinian people, then they are not human — whether they are Arab, European or American," Hassan said. The Egypt coach, who waved a Palestinian flag following his team's victory over Australia in the previous round, spoke for more than four minutes and received applause from many journalists attending the press conference. Hassan said the world often responds strongly to cases of animal cruelty but has become desensitized to the large-scale loss of human life. "I am a human before being Arab or anything else," he said. "Through football, my message is simple: just as FIFA calls for respect among people, I hope there will be respect for people's right to live." The conflict in Gaza began after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Israel's subsequent military campaign has killed more than 73,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, while much of the enclave has been devastated and millions displaced. Expressions of solidarity with Palestinians have become increasingly visible in international sport, with several athletes publicly showing their support. FIFA has permitted the display of the Palestinian flag during the World Cup. Turning to football, Hassan said Egypt are fully focused on creating history against Argentina. "My dreams have no limits. My ambitions have no limits," he said. "We will do everything to meet the expectations of our fans. We're not underdogs. We're a great nation with a civilization that goes back more than 7,000 years." Egypt will face Argentina on Tuesday, with a place in the World Cup quarterfinals at stake. A victory would send the African side into the last eight for the first time in the tournament's history.

Cristiano Ronaldo's record-breaking World Cup career came to an end on early Tuesday as Portugal were eliminated by Spain with a 1-0 defeat in the Round of 16, marking the six-time World Cup participant's final appearance at football's biggest tournament. The 41-year-old Portugal captain left the field quietly after the final whistle, acknowledging supporters with a brief wave before reflecting on the end of an era. "I've given everything, I've given my best, and I leave with a clear conscience," Ronaldo said after the match. "This is football. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose." Ronaldo had confirmed before the match that the 2026 World Cup would be his last, and reiterated that decision afterward, although he declined to discuss his broader international future. "I'll have time to think about everything else, be with my family and make decisions calmly," he said. Portugal's all-time leading scorer came close to finding the net in the first half, but Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon produced an outstanding save to deny him. Ronaldo registered three shots during the match, two of them on target. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez paid tribute to the veteran forward, describing him as an inspiration for future generations. "He is an example and a football icon. There are not many Cristiano Ronaldos. We need to thank him for everything he has given to Portuguese football," Martinez said. Ronaldo leaves the World Cup as the only player to have scored in six consecutive editions of the tournament. He also remains international football's all-time leading scorer with 146 goals. Although Portugal won the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025 during Ronaldo's career, the World Cup remained the one major trophy that eluded him. His best finish came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semifinals. Ronaldo scored three goals at the 2026 World Cup, taking his overall tournament tally to 11 goals, placing him among the competition's top all-time scorers. Spain's victory sends them into the quarterfinals, while Ronaldo's departure marks the end of one of the most celebrated World Cup careers in football history.

FIFA's decision to overturn the one-match suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun has triggered widespread debate over the governing body's disciplinary process and allegations of political influence, despite the Americans' 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Balogun, who had been sent off during the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the previous round, was initially due to miss the knockout match under FIFA's automatic suspension rules for red cards. However, FIFA lifted the suspension less than 24 hours before the Belgium clash after reviewing the case. The decision followed public comments by US President Donald Trump, who acknowledged raising the issue with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and described the original red card as "a great injustice." FIFA dismissed Belgium's appeal against the ruling hours before kickoff, allowing Balogun to start the match. However, the striker was unable to prevent the hosts from suffering a heavy defeat. In explaining the decision, FIFA's disciplinary committee cited provisions in its disciplinary code allowing a judicial body to suspend the implementation of certain sanctions. Instead of serving an immediate one-match ban, Balogun received a suspended suspension valid for one year and was fined $40,000 for the red-card incident and for celebrating with teammates after being sent off. FIFA said the suspension would only be enforced if Balogun committed a similar disciplinary offence within the probationary period. The move drew criticism from Belgium, whose football federation described the decision as astonishing. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia questioned the timing of the ruling, while European football governing body UEFA warned that the decision could undermine the integrity of the game. Several prominent figures in world football also expressed concern that the ruling could create uncertainty over the automatic suspension system and encourage future appeals against disciplinary decisions. Infantino rejected suggestions of political interference, insisting FIFA's independent disciplinary committee had acted solely under the governing body's regulations and based on the facts of the case. Balogun's case is believed to be the first at a FIFA World Cup in more than six decades in which a player avoided serving the automatic one-match suspension after being sent off during a tournament match.

Belgium cruised into the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States on Monday, capitalizing on a series of defensive mistakes to end the Americans' hopes of a deep run on home soil. Charles De Ketelaere starred for the Red Devils with two goals and an assist, while Hans Vanaken and substitute Romelu Lukaku also found the net to extend Belgium's unbeaten run to 18 matches. Belgium took the lead in the eighth minute when De Ketelaere finished off a well-worked move after the U.S. defense failed to clear the danger. The hosts responded in the 31st minute as Malik Tillman curled home his second direct free-kick goal of the tournament. However, Belgium restored its advantage just 61 seconds after the restart, with De Ketelaere heading in his second goal of the night from a Leandro Trossard cross. The Red Devils widened the margin in the 57th minute after a costly mistake by U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese. His hesitation while trying to control a long ball allowed Belgium to regain possession, and Vanaken's long-range effort found the net after taking a deflection. Substitute Romelu Lukaku completed the scoring in stoppage time after Belgium won the ball high up the pitch. The United States welcomed back striker Folarin Balogun after FIFA overturned his one-match suspension, but the boost was overshadowed by defensive lapses and an injury to captain Christian Pulisic, who was forced off in the second half after hurting his right foot. The defeat ended the Americans' bid to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. It was also their second Round-of-16 elimination by Belgium in the past 12 years and their seventh consecutive loss to the European side. Belgium will face Spain in the quarterfinals on Friday in Inglewood, California, with a place in the semifinals against either France or Morocco at stake. The result also confirmed the elimination of all six CONCACAF teams from the tournament, with co-hosts the United States, Mexico and Canada all exiting in the Round of 16.

Mikel Merino struck deep into stoppage time to give Spain a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal on Monday, booking La Roja's place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and bringing Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career to an end. Merino, who came on as a substitute in the 85th minute, scored in the opening minute of second-half added time. After winning a free kick, he quickly restarted play, continued his run into the penalty area and calmly finished from Ferran Torres' pass beyond goalkeeper Diogo Costa. The victory sent Spain into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2010. They will face either the United States or Belgium on Friday in Inglewood, California. For Portugal, the defeat marked the end of an era as 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo made what is expected to be his final World Cup appearance. The all-time leader in men's international football with 146 goals in 233 matches scored three goals during this tournament but found few opportunities against Spain's disciplined defense.

President Donald Trump said Monday he asked FIFA to review the red card shown to United States forward Folarin Balogun during the World Cup but insisted he did not pressure football's governing body to overturn the decision. "All I did was ask for a review," Trump said during an unrelated Oval Office event. "I didn't say, 'You have to do this.'" Trump confirmed that he called FIFA President Gianni Infantino after Balogun was sent off in the United States' 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina last week in Santa Clara, California, and requested that the decision be reviewed. FIFA later lifted Balogun's automatic one-match suspension for the challenge, allowing the striker to play in Monday's Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle. The decision was welcomed by many in the United States but sparked criticism internationally. The Belgian football federation challenged Balogun's eligibility for the match, while UEFA described FIFA's move as "incomprehensible and unjustifiable." Speaking on Monday, Trump described the referee's decision as a "horrible" call and said it would have cast a shadow over the tournament if Balogun, the United States' leading scorer with three goals, had missed the Belgium match and the team lost. "I didn't think it was a foul," Trump said. "I thought it was two great athletes that crashed into each other and got entangled." The Republican president said he understands sports "really well," but admitted he initially did not know what a red card was or that it carried an automatic one-match suspension. After learning of the punishment, he decided to intervene by requesting a review. He also criticised the use of slow-motion video review, saying it can make incidents appear more serious than they actually are. "Belgium has got a great team," Trump said. "We have to have our best players, and they have to have their best. And if we win or we lose, it's fair." Shortly after Trump's remarks, Infantino issued a statement on X explaining their conversation and defending the independence of FIFA's disciplinary process. "During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA's independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies," Infantino said. "That is how FIFA's system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold." Trump's Oval Office event was primarily focused on new investment accounts for American children, and he initially tried to steer attention away from the World Cup controversy, joking that reporters were not interested in football. However, Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas praised Trump during the event, saying, "On behalf of all Americans, thank you for getting rid of that ridiculous red card. It was spectacular." Asked again about his involvement, Trump reiterated that he had simply made his case to Infantino. "I didn't tell him what to do, I can't tell him what to do," he said. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also defended FIFA's decision on Monday, saying it was the right outcome. Before a meeting with Chile's foreign minister, Rubio questioned why Belgium would want to win if people argued the United States had been without its leading scorer. He joked that the issue was becoming an "international incident" ahead of this week's NATO summit in Turkey. Balogun received the red card after his boot caught Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic's ankle during the Round of 32 match. Brazilian referee Raphael Claus did not initially show a card, but after reviewing the incident in slow motion, he issued a red card. Balogun later said he believed a yellow card would have been a fair decision. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia criticised FIFA's decision on Sunday, saying it sounded like an April Fools' Day joke. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, meanwhile, welcomed the decision, arguing that Balogun had already been sufficiently punished by missing the remainder of the Bosnia-Herzegovina match. According to a senior U.S. official familiar with the discussions, Trump administration officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and White House FIFA Task Force leader Andrew Giuliani, believed the video review process that led to the red card had been flawed. The issue was discussed extensively on the flight back from Santa Clara to Washington, with officials concluding that if the slow-motion review had been improperly used, the red card should be overturned, the official said. Administration officials later reviewed FIFA's rules, consulted lawyers and spoke with U.S. Soccer before Trump discussed the matter with Infantino, whom he has spoken with several times a week since the World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, began on June 11.

Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh by 25 runs in the opening ODI in Harare on Monday, overcoming a record bowling performance from Nahid Rana to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. After being dismissed for 141, Zimbabwe bowled Bangladesh out for 116 in 33.1 overs. Nahid returned the best bowling figures by a Bangladesh player in ODIs, taking 6 for 21 from his 10 overs. Bangladesh bowl Zimbabwe out for 141 as Nahid sets ODI record He broke the previous national record of 6 for 26, shared by Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Rubel Hossain. Bangladesh made early inroads after captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz chose to field. Miraz ran out a Zimbabwe opener with a direct hit before Taskin Ahmed dismissed Brian Bennett and Craig Ervine in successive deliveries. Nahid then removed Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere and Innocent Kaia as Zimbabwe slipped further. Richard Ngarava and Tanaka Chivanga added more than 50 runs for the ninth wicket before Nahid returned to dismiss Ngarava. Zimbabwe were all out for 141. Bangladesh lost Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto inside the first four overs, both to Blessing Muzarabani. Richard Ngarava then dismissed Soumya Sarkar to leave the visitors at 19 for 3. Towhid Hridoy and Nurul Hasan added 49 for the fourth wicket, but Bangladesh lost momentum after Hridoy was dismissed. Mosaddek Hossain and Miraz also fell as the visitors slipped further behind the required rate. Nurul top-scored with 31 off 44 balls before becoming one of the last four wickets to fall. Bangladesh’s innings ended on 116, giving Zimbabwe its first victory of the series.

Carlos Queiroz has stepped down as Ghana coach after the Black Stars' World Cup campaign ended with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the first knockout round. "We cannot claim complete sporting satisfaction, but we can proudly say that we honored the colors of Ghana and restored respect and credibility to the Black Stars on football's greatest stage," the 73-year-old Portuguese coach wrote in an Instagram post addressed to the nation late Sunday. Queiroz was appointed in April to replace the sacked Otto Addo after Ghana had lost four consecutive matches. Ghana lost to Mexico and drew with Wales in its World Cup warm-up matches before opening the tournament with a victory over Panama in Group L. A goalless draw against England was enough to send the team into the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed finishers, despite losing to Croatia in the final group match. Against Colombia, Ghana managed only eight shots, with none on target. "Football, like life, teaches us one timeless lesson: you either win or you learn," Queiroz wrote. "I leave this journey with pride in what we achieved, but also with the healthy dissatisfaction of those who always wanted more. Reaching a higher level should never be the destination. It should be the beginning of even greater ambitions." Queiroz also suggested that the Ghana Football Association needed to provide stronger support for the national team. "The future of the Black Stars will not be built only on the pitch. Black Stars success must start off the field, by creating the best possible environment to prepare, protect and develop Ghana's extraordinary football talent," he wrote. Last month, Queiroz defended his decision to include Thomas Partey in Ghana's World Cup squad while the player awaits trial in London on multiple rape charges. Partey missed Ghana's opening match after being denied a visa to Canada, prompting a strong reaction from the Ghanaian government. He later featured in Ghana's matches against England, Croatia and Colombia, and was booed by the largely pro-England crowd during the game in the United States.