Legendary Cup of Nations

✨️ The Legendary Cup of Nations 2023 Qatar Tournament Best XI

Since our graphic design department in the past week either has an alcohol-related disability or cares more about posting Messi, we provide you with the Best XI without the official colours, as a sign of deep protest to this kind of practices

🇦🇷 Legend Messi, hours before the semifinal:

"Whatever the result today is, we have shown Argentina is a force to be reckoned with in the LCN. The dark days of the 2010s are behind us, now we're always in the semis. Whatever happens, we're champions"

Messi and company failed to reach a final, equalling their run as hosts. Can they impress in the ?

🇮🇷🇶🇦 Head Coach Queiroz after being pressured by the media for coaching two teams during the :

"If anything its the fault of the players; my directions were clear. How about you start asking better questions?"

Queiroz abandoned the pitch after the anthems for Iran and Qatar's last group games. They both won👀

🇵🇱 Lewandowski on Poland's historic run:

"We've worked hard as a team; from that tough day in Pepsi Arena so many months ago we've rebuilt, and we've gotten this far. We were heartbroken during those penalties but Canada was never going to be easy. We should be proud we've made kids in Poland happy for so many days."

A far run indeed, congratulations PZPN !

🗣🇵🇹 Portugal head coach Fernando Santos reflects for one final time on the rocky road to the grand finale, controversies and personal feelings after ultimately securing the most missing piece of silverware in the Portuguese trophy cabinet:

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining me today. I stand before you as a proud coach, representing the victorious Portuguese national team in the Legendary Cup of Nations 2023. This triumph is a testament to the resilience, determination, and unwavering belief of our players.

We began this journey on a difficult note, teetering on the edge of not even qualifying for the final tournament. The defeats against Poland and Ukraine threatened to derail our hopes. However, our team showcased their true character by bouncing back, winning the decisive matches against Serbia, China, and Hungary. Against all odds, we secured our place in the tournament, proving that being written off only fueled our determination.

During the group stage, we faced formidable opponents in Cameroon and Switzerland. The 5-4 victory against Cameroon and the hard-fought 2-1 win over Switzerland demonstrated our ability to perform under pressure and overcome challenges.

Unfortunately, after our final group game, we faced heavy criticism. Allegations were made that we deliberately fielded a reserve squad, excluding our star player Cristiano Ronaldo, to secure a more favorable path in the tournament. I want to make it clear that our team selection was made with careful consideration, taking into account the overall strategy. Criticism aside, our focus remained on the game ahead.

Regrettably, there was an incident where Cristiano Ronaldo played without my permission after the halftime interval against Ukraine. This led to speculation about a potential conflict between our captain and me. However, as a united team, we addressed the issue internally and reaffirmed our commitment to our collective goals.

As we progressed in the tournament, we faced challenges that tested our resolve. In the 1/8 finals against Mexico, a late error from the match commissioner gave rise to controversy. Nevertheless, our players stayed composed and secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

Moving on to the quarterfinals, we faced the formidable German team. In a thrilling encounter, our team showcased tremendous spirit and determination, with Joao Felix's last-minute goal securing a memorable 3-2 victory in extra time.

In the semi-finals, we dominated the Canadian team, one of the biggest positive surprises of the tournament, with a decisive 3-1 result. Our players displayed their class and showcased the progress we had made throughout the tournament.

Finally, in the grand finale, we left no doubts as to our capabilities. The Dutch national team, a worthy adversary, was no match for us. With two goals from our best player Cristiano Ronaldo and another from Joao Felix, we sealed a resounding 3-0 victory, lifting the trophy for the first time in our nation's history. This victory is made all the sweeter, considering our previous heartbreak in the last edition, losing to Belgium on penalties.

I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the players, staff, and fans who supported us throughout this incredible journey. Their unwavering belief and commitment were instrumental in our success. Each player embraced their role and contributed to our collective achievement.

As we celebrate this historic victory, let us not forget the journey that brought us here. The obstacles we faced and overcame have made us stronger. This triumph serves as a reminder that nothing is impossible when you have belief, unity, and the will to fight until the very end."

The journey reaches its end, and we have a new LCN champion!

The adventure towards a final is never an easy one, and these moments sometimes go elsewhere than we think.

We can't wait for the !

PORTUGAL ARE CHAMPIONS

Absolute drama on Match 64 for the long-awaited encounter which, according to some, ends unrealistically.

The Canadians fall to the mighty sword of the Argentinians in an ultimate fight for bronze.

Congratulations AFA - Selección Argentina!

The FINAL is set.

64 Matches. 2 Nations. 1 Winner.

Game on!

THE DUTCH MAKE IT

The Dutch beat the Argentinians in an electric semifinal to reach their second-ever final.

We may have been denied a Messi-Ronaldzi final, but what an for the Albicelestes!

PORTUGAL IN THE FINAL AGAIN

The Portuguese reach a second LCN final in a row, being the only team to do so along with Spain and Italy in the tournament's history!

The knows one of its potential winners - can they do it?

...and then there were 4!

Who reaches the grand final?

🗣🇸🇳 The Senegalese coach Aliou Cisse responds on piling questions about Sadio Mane's mysterious absence on the eve of a quarter final:

"Thank you for joining me today ahead of this crucial quarter-final clash in the Legendary Cup of Nations 2023. As the coach of the Senegalese national team, I stand before you disenchanted, not only as a coach but also as a representative of a nation that deeply values fair play and integrity in the game of football.

We have faced numerous challenges leading up to this match, but none have been as disheartening as the absence of our star player, Sadio Mane. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts and the tireless work of the Senegalese witchers, we were unable to deliver a cure for Mane's condition in time for this quarter-final encounter.

I must express my disappointment in this situation. Our dedicated medical staff, together with the witchers, worked tirelessly to find a solution, but we have fallen short. We had hoped to witness Mane's remarkable talent on the pitch, but circumstances beyond our control have prevented that from happening.

It has come to my attention that there are rumors circulating about the involvement of witcher Geralt of Rivia, the goalkeeper of the Netherlands team, in Mane's absence. Allegedly, he utilized his connections with African witchers to sabotage our star player's availability for this crucial match. While these claims are serious, I must emphasize that they are merely rumors at this stage.

As a coach and a believer in the spirit of fair play, I must caution against jumping to conclusions without concrete evidence. Accusing an individual, especially someone of Geralt's stature, without proper substantiation can lead to unnecessary animosity and tarnish the integrity of the sport we all love.

I urge all of you to remember the values that bring us together on this stage—sportsmanship, camaraderie, and a passion for the game. Let us focus on the upcoming match between Senegal and the Netherlands, two footballing powerhouses who have earned their place in this tournament through hard work, dedication, and exceptional skill.

Our opponents deserve our utmost respect. They possess a formidable team, with or without Geralt of Rivia between the posts. It is our responsibility as a team to overcome any obstacle, be it the absence of a key player or the challenges thrown at us during the course of a match. We will rely on our collective strength and determination to give our best on the field and strive for victory.

While the absence of Sadio Mane is undoubtedly a setback, let us not forget that football is a team sport. We have talented players in our squad who are ready to step up and make their mark on this game. We will adapt our tactics and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that we put forward a strong performance.

In conclusion, I implore everyone to maintain the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship throughout this tournament. Let us focus on the game at hand and put our energy into supporting our team as they take on the Netherlands. The Senegalese national team will fight with every ounce of strength we have, and we will do so honorably, with our heads held high."

Biggest controversy so far?

🇮🇹 Stopper Donnarumma speaks for the first time since Italy's crashing out as favorites against Canada:

"No excuses. We're young. Next LCN we have to win. Its one of our only chances"

The Baby sets expectations for the Azurri - could we have just seen this team's last chance squandered?

RONALDZI PREVAILS

FT Portugal 3-2 Germany

Favorites Germany fall to the hosts in their revenge match in which JOAO FELISSS and RONALDZI put the Germans down after 120 minutes played.

CANADA HISTORIC PERFORMANCE, POLISH HEARTBREAK

FT Poland 3-3 Canada (5-6 on pens)

The first semifinalist is a HISTORIC one with the CANADIANS continuing their BEST RUN EVER in a penalty shootout that results in heartbreak for the Poles.

The can really be a historic one - how exciting!

The quarterfinals are set up!

🇨🇦🇧🇶🇩🇪🇵🇱🇪🇸🇸🇳🇦🇷🇵🇹 keep going towards the dream of LCN glory - but only one flag will prevail!

Right before the knockout stage arrived to impress us all, the LFA announced the Top 11 players of Matchday 3 of the group stage.

Many of these heroes have fallen already - which ones survive all the way?

Favorites Dutch cut it close against debutants Ecuador thanks to a late goal by Van Djik, despite a controversial disallowed goal from Depay.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED

Favorites Italy OUT after Canadians take down an favorite for the second time this summer.

Poland cruises through Pulisic and company equalling their record run.

Can the Poles become a household name during the ?

...and then there were 16!

With the Group Stage concluded, we now have our 16 teams who will fight for glory!

Who goes all the way?

🎙️OFFICIAL COMMUNICATE:

The LFA to open an OFFICIAL INVESTIGATION into the Group F Ukraine - Portugal match for possible result tampering from the Portuguese and Ukrainian Federations.

"With reason to believe there was result tampering involved in Wednesday's matchday 3 encounter, the LFA will open a commission to further look into the two federations and their involvement. Further details will follow".

A win for any of the teams would make them face favorites Argentina. Fernando Santos, already asked before the match, largely dismissed the accusations:

"Accusations of intentionally losing? Nonsense! We're focused on winning every match. We fear no opponent, not even Argentina. We'll face whoever comes our way with confidence and determination. Our goal is to triumph, not manipulate the outcome."

The Uruguayans blast their way into the Round of 16, and have yet to face group favorites Spain!

Congratulations!

FT Spain 5-1 Iran

The winners wake up after their siesta against the Ticos and destroy the Iranians in a great match for MORATA

If they can play the same against Uruguay, the should be promising for La Roja!

Your best XI from Matchday 2 of the !

Many goals and fantastic moments shared among these players - the LCN is shaping up!

Group A of the is concluded!

Poland and Ecuador make it to the knockout stages; the Ecuadorians scratch a draw out of the Koreans who crash out of the tournament thanks to goals scored; the Qataris, against an experimental Polish side, manage to scrape their only win in LCN history as hosts.

The Knockout Stage begins to form!

FT Poland 2-1 Korea Republic

Poland becomes the FIRST team to secure passage to the knockout stage of the with a dramatic absolute last minute goal against the Koreans who will battle for survival against Ecuador.

Congratulations Łączy nas piłka!

FT Qatar 1-2 Ecuador

The hosts Qatar are OUT after a shambolic performance marked by 2 penalties given to VALENCIA, poor Al-Sheeb unable to keep his nation afloat.

Qatar plays against Poland purely for honor!

Behold: The Top XI of Matchday 1 of the !

Who from this list stays on all the way?

FT Portugal 5-4 Cameroon

In the highest-scoring match so far of the the Portuguese hold back Cameroon from re-entering a golden age like their and period.

FT Spain 0-0 Costa Rica

Perhaps the BIGGEST shock of Matchday 1, conflicts on the bench between LUISITO and BALD LUISITO make favorites Spain SUFFER against the Ticos who, in the eyes of many, should have won.

FT Germany 3-0 Saudi Arabia

Between Neuer's heroics and Mosquito Jr.'s debacles, the Germans blast through an Arabian side that holds them 0-0 on halftime.

FT Wales 2-2 Croatia

BALE squanders 2 out of 3 of his final appearances with a rash decision from Matthew Mzizi's cousin and the Croats save the world from Welsh shock.

FT Ukraine 3-2 Switzerland

The Ukrainians and more specifically MALINOVSKYI thrash the Swiss with a hattrick despite efforts of a comeback.

FT Mexico 1-0 Ghana

The African side bravely fights but it is not enough to surpass Mexico's undeserved lead.

FT Argentina 3-1 Morocco

MESSI and his friends kick off the in spectacular fashion robbing the Moroccans from what would have been a shocking result!

FT Canada 1-1 Czechia

The Canadians, to everyone's surprise, force the Czechs to a worthy fight in the first draw of the

The Brasilians turn things around to avoid a sensational start to the for the Senegalese!

FT Italy 3-0 Denmark

The Baby's hands are too big for the Danes to get into his net and Immobile, Chiesa and company finish the job in style!