The Portugal national team has officially entered a new era following Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement from international football, but the legacy of the legendary striker will remain forever engraved in the history of the national team.
Before facing Denmark in the European Nations League, the Portuguese national team announced a change in the design of shirt No. 7, to ensure that the version worn by “CR7” remains unique and not repeated.
The Portuguese national team decided that the number 7 shirt would not return to what it was after the departure of the greatest player in its history. As the team prepared to face Denmark in Braga, officials revealed a modification in the shape of the number 7, adding a small dash in the middle. This visual detail, despite its simplicity, carries great significance, as it aims to distinguish the version that Ronaldo wore during his historic career from any future versions, ensuring that this design associated with his records remains exclusive to his era.
This aesthetic change is a lasting mark of appreciation for a player who has reshaped the standards of international football.
The Portuguese Federation shared this update on its social media accounts, accompanied by a poignant message that said: “It is time to reveal a new number 7, because that number will remain eternal.” By adding this sign to the number 7, the federation set a visual boundary separating the team’s past from its future.
Ramy Bensebaini scored a goal near the end to lead the Algerian national team to a 1-0 victory over its guest, Togo, and widen the gap separating it from its closest rivals in Group Nine of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The only goal of the match came in the 76th minute with a header from close range by Ben Sabaini, taking advantage of a cross pass from Anis Hadj Moussa.
After achieving its second victory in three rounds, the Algerian national team's tally rose to seven points in the lead, three points ahead of Zambia, while Togo's tally stagnated at three points in third place, one point ahead of Burundi, at the bottom of the standings.
Zambia tied 1-1 with Burundi on Friday in the same round.
England coach Thomas Tuchel does not expect racist abuse during Sunday's UEFA Nations League match against Spain, but said his players will be reminded of anti-racism protocols, prompting Spain coach Luis de la Fuente to respond briefly.
The England national team will face the world champions in Madrid, where the two are competing for the top spot in the European Nations League group. This confrontation will be held in the Spanish capital for the first time since a friendly match in 2004 in which black England players, including Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips, were subjected to racist abuse from the crowd.
England midfielder Declan Rice said that the national team knows exactly how to act if any racist abuse occurs.
Rice added to reporters on Saturday: “I had previously been exposed to this in Montenegro and Bulgaria, and there was a protocol that we followed.” We left the stadium. We know exactly, as a group, how to act in such situations. I don't expect anything like this to happen. It's a beautiful city and a great stadium, and we have a lot of respect for the players we will face. “Everything is set for a wonderful evening, and we hope it will not be marred by anything negative.”
The issue gained momentum after Spain was fined $20,000 for anti-Muslim chants chanted by fans during a match against Egypt in Barcelona last March.
Spain must also play its next friendly match at home with a limited audience presence as part of the penalty.
De la Fuente rejected any suggestion that racism is a problem in Spain.
“What I can tell you, and you can pass this on to Thomas, is that there is no racism in Spain,” De La Fuente said. “This is what I strongly believe in.”
“There is no racism. As in England, there is no racism in Spain. “None of us are racist.”
Tuchel appeared angry when he was informed of De La Fuente's statements, and accused sectors of the Spanish media of distorting his statements.
Tuchel said: “I was polite enough to answer a question from your colleagues, and then you went to the other coach and told him that I was talking about racism in Spain.”
