Lisbon, Jun 07 (V7N) – Several international friendly matches were played on Saturday night as teams continued their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Portugal, Germany and England all recording victories.

Portugal defeated Chile 2-1 in a hard-fought encounter marked by goals, red cards and late drama.

The hosts thought they had taken the lead in the 36th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Tensions rose shortly before halftime as Portugal's Rafael Leão and Chile defender Iván Román were both shown red cards following an altercation, leaving the teams with ten men each.

Portugal eventually broke the deadlock in the 58th minute through substitute Gonçalo Guedes, who had replaced Ronaldo. Midfielder Bruno Fernandes doubled the lead in the 75th minute, putting the match seemingly beyond Chile's reach.

Chile managed to pull one goal back through Lucas Cepeda in stoppage time, but Portugal held on to secure a 2-1 victory.

In another high-profile friendly, four-time world champions Germany defeated host nation the United States by the same scoreline in Chicago.

Germany took an early lead in just the second minute when Kai Havertz headed home a free-kick delivered by Joshua Kimmich. The United States responded in the 37th minute as Anthony Robinson scored an impressive equalizer to level the match.

The Germans restored their advantage in the 57th minute when Leroy Sané finished clinically from a pass provided by Havertz. Germany maintained control for the remainder of the match to claim a valuable win ahead of the World Cup.

Meanwhile, England registered a narrow 1-0 victory over New Zealand in Florida.

England manager utilized two different starting lineups across the two halves as part of the team's preparations. Despite dominating possession with nearly 72 percent of the ball and producing 23 attempts on goal, the Three Lions managed only four shots on target.

The decisive moment came during first-half stoppage time when captain Harry Kane headed home from a teammate's cross to score the only goal of the match.

The Bayern Munich striker continues his remarkable scoring form, having netted 67 goals in 57 appearances for club and country during the current season.

The victories provide Portugal, Germany and England with valuable momentum as the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues.

END/SMA/AJ