lifeline

KABUL: The United States' decision to extend its military presence in Afghanistan beyond 2016 has thrown the war-ravaged country's government a much needed lifeline even as its dysfunctionality, blamed for the Taliban's revival, shows no signs of abating.

CUIABA, Brazil: Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal seized a World Cup lifeline with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw against the United States after highly-fancied Belgium booked a place in the last 16 on Sunday. Belgium scored in the 88th minute of a pedestrian 1-0 win over Russia leaving Algeria to light up Group H by routing South Korea 4-2. Portugal had looked on their way out of the tournament until the fifth minute of added time in the Group G clash when Ronaldo's curling cross from the right was met…