Portugal get their revenge on Spain — this time in cricket — after WC heartbreak
Portugal defeated Spain in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Sub Regional Qualifier, securing a victory on the cricket field shortly after their football team's World Cup loss to Spain. The win keeps Portugal's hopes alive for the 2028 T20 World Cup.
Why it matters
It illustrates the intersection of national sports rivalries across different disciplines and the competitive nature of international cricket qualifiers.
Portugal have found a rather unexpected way to avenge their FIFA World Cup heartbreak against Spain.Just over a month after Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. were knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by their neighbours, Portugal got one back — not on a football pitch, but on a cricket field.Portugal defeated Spain by 57 runs in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Sub Regional Qualifier C in 2026, ending Spain's campaign and keeping their own dream of reaching the 2028 T20 World Cup alive.The football defeat had come in July, when Spain edged Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, USA.
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