Chile defeated Venezuela 1-4 in the World Cup - Qualification South America. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 6 stage in the 2018 season. The match was played at Estadio Rafael Agustín Tovar (Barinas). The full-time result capped a Venezuela vs Chile meeting in World Cup - Qualification South America with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Venezuela and Chile. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
World Cup - Qualification South AmericaRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Today's friendly against Chile at Estadio do Jamor in Oeiras may not carry competitive stakes, but it offers an important glimpse into how Roberto Martinez’s side is shaping up before heading to North America. With the 2026 World Cup just five days away, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are entering the final phase of their preparations. Today’s friendly against Chile at Estadio do Jamor in Oeiras may not carry competitive stakes, but it offers an important glimpse into how Roberto Martinez’s side is shaping up before heading to North America. Portugal has already produced encouraging performances in recent warm-up matches and remains unbeaten in its two World Cup preparation games. As anticipation builds around the tournament, attention has naturally turned toward the squad selection, tactical setup, and one major question surrounding Ronaldo ahead of the clash. The Selecao das Quinas enters the match as one of the more highly regarded European contenders for the World Cup. The national team qualified comfortably and has suffered only one defeat across its last 13 matches. Recent results in March and April have highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement. A goalless draw against Mexico raised some concerns regarding attacking efficiency, but a convincing 2-0 victory over the United States restored confidence heading into the final stretch before the tournament. The national team will open its World Cup campaign against DR Congo on June 17 in Houston, before facing Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K. Martinez will use the remaining friendlies to ensure his squad arrives fully prepared for what could be one of Portugal’s strongest opportunities to compete for a first-ever World Cup title. Chile arrives seeking answers after difficult cycle Chile’s situation looks very different. The national team finished bottom of the CONMEBOL qualifying table and failed to reach the World Cup for a third consecutive cycle. Once considered one of South America’s strongest sides after winning the Copa America in 2015 and 2016, Chile is now undergoing a rebuilding process. The focus has shifted toward developing a new generation of players and preparing for future competitions, including the 2027 Copa America. Recent performances have been inconsistent. A 4-2 victory over Cape Verde showed attacking promise, but a heavy 4-1 defeat to New Zealand exposed defensive weaknesses that Portugal will undoubtedly look to exploit. Will Cristiano Ronaldo play? According to the official lineups from Portugal’s camp, Cristiano Ronaldo will start for Portugal. At 41 years old, the Al-Nassr star is preparing for what would be his sixth World Cup appearance. Despite his age, the nation continues to build much of its attacking structure around its all-time leading scorer. Martinez has fielded a lineup close to full strength, although several players connected to Paris Saint-Germain may not be available after their club commitments ended only recently. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026. As a result, Ronaldo’s presence gives this friendly additional significance. The veteran forward recently celebrated another major achievement with Al-Nassr, and now has one remaining objective that has defined much of the latter stage of his career. Portugal vs Chile: Confirmed lineups Portugal confirmed XI (4-2-3-1): Jose Sa; Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Joao Cancelo; Samu Costa, Bernardo Silva; Francisco Conceicao, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao; Cristiano Ronaldo. Chile confirmed XI (4-2-3-1): Vigouroux; Arce, Maripan, Faundez, Suazo; Pizarro, Loyola; Gutierrez, Osorio, Roman; Tapia.
Despite being one of the greatest Brazilian players of the last decade, Neymar had gone nearly three years without playing for Brazil. However, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has decided to reintegrate him into the squad for the 2026 World Cup, prompting the 34-year-old star to react on social media. Throughout the last decade, Neymar emerged as the most decisive figure for Brazil. While he never managed to win a Copa América or a World Cup, he remained the cornerstone of the national team for years. However, injuries kept him away from the squad for nearly three years. In a surprising turn, the 34-year-old star has now been included in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, prompting an emotional reaction on social media. “It’s hard not to get emotional. With everything we’ve been through. Everything they watched me go through. And me getting here, managing to compete in another World Cup. It’s Incredible. These are tears of pure happiness. Truly I want to tank every single Brazilian who supported me and cheered for me… we have another World Cup to fight for. We will absolutely give our lives to bring the Cup back to Brazil” Neymar said, on his Youtube channel. While there were serious doubts surrounding his physical condition,Carlo Ancelotti has rewarded Neymar for his major improvement at Santos FC, revealing that he will be important. With this call-up, the 34-year-old star now has what could be his final opportunity to chase the long-awaited World Cup title. However, he will not have an easy path toward becoming a starter, as Matheus Cunha and Lucas Paquetá currently appear to hold a certain advantage. Neymar is set to make his return with Brazil after three years away from the national team, giving him a clear opportunity to end his long scoring drought with the Canarinha. In addition, the 34-year-old star emerges as a key figure for Carlo Ancelotti after the injuries to Rodrygo and Estêvão, as his experience could prove decisive. Beyond his impact on the field, they also regain a clear dressing-room leader, something that can be crucial when competing at the highest level. Neymar Jr. of Brazil battles for possession with Yangel Herrera of Venezuela during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match. Neymar Jr. to play inside forward for Brazil, says Carlo Ancelotti Heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil appear to have a clear plan built around Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior on the wings. In addition, the regular presence of Matheus Cunha as the starting attacking midfielder offers strong indications of how the lineup could look. Because of this, Neymar’s role remains a major topic of debate, leading Carlo Ancelotti to reveal that the 34-year-old star will play as an inside forward. After his numerous injuries at Al Hilal SFC, Neymar has evolved into an attacking midfielder. No longer standing out because of his pace, the Brazilian star now makes the difference through his dribbling, vision, and ability to break defensive lines with precise through balls. Because of this, Carlo Ancelotti will use him as a major enhancer of Brazil’s collective play, something that neither Matheus Cunha nor Lucas Paquetá have consistently managed to provide for the national team.
After a great collective play, Lionel Messi scored the opening goal for Inter Miami in the MLS game against the Portland Timbers. Inter Miami hosted the Portland Timbers on Sunday at Nu Stadium looking to climb the MLS Eastern Conference standings. Lionel Messi spearheaded the attack for the Herons, providing the game’s opening breakthrough before delivering an assist to push the advantage to 2-0, securing the historic first victory at the club’s new home. Sunday’s clash marked Inter Miami’s fifth match at Nu Stadium since its grand opening, with the Herons previously enduring a frustrating stretch of three draws and a loss at the new venue. After sustained attacking pressure turned Timbers goalkeeper James Pantemis into the player of the match early with a string of brilliant saves, the Herons finally carved open the Portland defense through the middle of the pitch to finally break the negative streak. In the 31st minute, Messi controlled a pass from Telasco Segovia and quickly found Luis Suarez, who immediately linked back up with the Venezuelan midfielder. Segovia then delivered a spectacular backheel pass that left Messi one-on-one with the keeper, allowing the Argentine star to slot it home and open the scoring for the hosts. Messi makes no mistake for his 12th goal of the year. 💫@InterMiamiCF lead 1-0 at home. pic.twitter.com/QqiFVtiTgS— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 17, 2026 Messi wasn’t finished impacting the scoreboard, later turning playmaker to set up German Berterame for Inter Miami’s second goal. In the 42nd minute, Messi executed a perfect give-and-go with Suarez before dancing past Cole Bassett and Diego Chara inside the box. After freezing the defenders, the Argentine slipped a pass across the face of the goal for Berterame to tap home first-time, comfortably doubling the Herons’ lead against the Timbers before the break. Messi assists, Berterame finishes. Wow. What a run. 😎 pic.twitter.com/RGsxFTcVS9— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 17, 2026 Those numbers bring Messi’s season totals to 13 goals and 5 assists across 15 matches. Most notably, the superstar has racked up four goals and four assists over his last four outings, solidifying his status as the frontrunner for the MLS Player of the Month award for May. Messi directly involved in over half of Inter Miami’s MLS goals Messi has undoubtedly been Inter Miami’s talisman since his arrival, serving as both the team’s primary finisher and the creative engine behind their build-up play. However, during the 2026 MLS campaign, his influence has reached a point where the Herons are heavily reliant on what the Argentine legend can produce on any given night. Through 14 matches, Inter Miami has found the back of the net 33 times, with Messi directly involved in 18 of those tallies by racking up 13 goals and five assists. While nine other players have cracked the scoresheet for Miami this season, Berterame is the next closest with just five goals, highlighting the team’s extreme dependence on their superstar captain.
Fan buys missing Chile sticker for £150 after finding almost completed album in his loftLast week, Stephen Butler completed a collection that he started almost 60 years ago. With the final piece in place, it’s now worth thousands of pounds, but he has no interest in selling it.Butler was moving house five years ago when he stumbled across a box in the loft that he had not thought about in years. Inside was his old school cap, some exercise books, photos and, in the middle of it all, a 1970 Panini World Cup sticker book. Continue reading...
The US men’s national team have high expectations at the 2026 World Cup. To me, that signals miraculous progressThe mere notion that the United States men’s national team will enter this World Cup with a plausible chance of going on a deep run represents something of a sporting miracle.Consider that after the USMNT placed third at the 1930 World Cup – as one of just 13 countries to turn up, mind you – they were almost totally absent from the global stage for six decades. They kicked around the 1934 edition of the tournament just long enough to get smashed 7-1 by the hosts Italy in the first round. And they were there in 1950, stunning England 1-0 in the group stage, an all-time upset wedged around 3-1 and 5-2 losses to Spain and Chile, respectively.Leander Schaerlaeckens’ book on the United States men’s national soccer team, The Long Game, is out on Tuesday. You can buy it here. He teaches at Marist University. Continue reading...
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