Just to be clear, the World Cup doesn’t start in earnest until after the final tournament.
There is no compensation for days off. There are no second chances. Increase intensity. Stahl Solbakken apparently made the right decision – saving his starter for the second round.
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Seven UEFA teams advanced from the round of 32, including Solbakken’s Norway, who were well-rested after nearly being eliminated by France in Group I. This is the second time Canada, Mexico and the United States have represented CONCACAF in the Round of 16, and the second time since 2014 (Costa Rica, Mexico and the United States).
Four South American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Paraguay) made it through.
Paraguay’s approach was not Solbakken-like. An all-out effort to get through the group stage was followed by a quick turnaround and cross-country battle to take on Germany in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
However, La Albirroja still had enough to become the first team to defeat Die Mannschaft on penalties in a World Cup.
Les Bleus leads the way
France’s front four – Ousmane Dembélé, Desir Douai, Kylian Mbappé and Michael Oliseh – proved unstoppable in the group stage. In addition, Bradley Barcola stepped up the pace in place of Due, leading to a 3-0 win over Sweden in the last 32. Les Bleus’ only problem may be the number of attackers.
Will coach Didier Deschamps be able to make everyone happy, including Rayan Cherki?
Europeans set the standard
Belgium, England, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland joined France and Norway as Round of 32 winners.
Belgium and England had to rally against the African opposition. Belgium were losing 2-0 against Senegal, but Youri Tielemans and Romelu Lukaku took the game into extra time, with Tielemans scoring a penalty to make it 3-2.
England were tested by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but won 2-1 with a goal from Harry Kane.
Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 after a VAR review was found to have been used to help Croatia score the equalizer just over 15 minutes into stoppage time, as Portugal could have scored a last-minute touch when the ball was tipped at the World Cup.
The end of traditional World Cup powerhouses
Germany will be added to the list of declining powers for the World Cup, following Italy (lost in the qualifying round) and Uruguay (lost in the group stage).
Until recently, Die Mannschaft looked ready to challenge for a fifth title. A combination of veterans and young players led by 38-year-old Julian Nagelsmann and 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer seemed to lead to a revival. Instead, Germany lost in a shocking penalty shootout to Paraguay, the first time this had happened at a World Cup and the first time Germany had lost on penalties since Euro 1976.
Jonathan Tarr’s header could have been successful, but a VAR review detected goalkeeper interference.
“This is our third loss in a row, so we are no longer part of a first-class team,” Nagelsmann said. Manager Nagelsmann has since left the team, with Jurgen Klopp likely to take his place.
Africans leave footprints
A draw with former champions Spain and Uruguay? It was just a warm-up for Cape Verde, the ultimate underdogs, and Argentina went into extra time, but lost 3-2 thanks to a Dinny Borges own goal in the 111th minute.
Algeria, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Senegal and South Africa all lost in the round of 32, but the match was worth watching.
A little cynical play might have helped. Alternatively, uncompromising defense helped Egypt and Morocco defeat Australia and the Netherlands, respectively.
Despite talk of continuing their attack under coach Mohamed Ouabi, the Atlas Lions have so far stuck to their 2022 defensive policy. Issa Diop’s stoppage-time finish and Yassin Bounou’s penalty-kick denial helped them beat the Netherlands.
golden boot laces
Lionel Messi’s surgical touch led to Argentina’s opening goal against Cape Verde, increasing their total goal tally to seven.
Kylian Mbappé, on the other hand, returned to scoring mode with two goals against Sweden after playing as a creator against Norway. With this, Mbappe, who is aiming for his first consecutive Golden Boot victory, has scored six goals.
Norway’s Erling Haaland and England’s Harry Kane each had five goals, with late saves.
Messi leads the all-time list with 20, two more than Mbappe.
Home advantage is definitely important
At least that was the case in Mexico and the United States.
El Tri entered their last 16 match against England having extended their unbeaten World Cup record since Estadio Azteca in 1970. Mexico, who also achieved a 360-minute shutout record, advanced to the “Quinto Partido” (“Game 5”) for the first time since 1986, but because the field has expanded, there is one game left until the quarterfinals. The downside: At least four people died in connection with the celebrations in Mexico.
Before the start of the tournament, there were concerns about the enthusiasm of the American audience. These were erased after a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California. However, the result could be costly as Folarin Balogun was suspended after receiving a red card following a VAR review.
Meanwhile, Canada became the first co-host nation with trips to California and Texas. The Maple Leafs needed a goal from Steven Eustaquio in stoppage time to defeat South Africa in Los Angeles. Next up is Morocco and Houston.
