Of course, each game is unique, as are the opponents, but the evolution of the team as a team in the World Cup is clear. Vini Jr. shone once again and now appears as the protagonist of Ancelotti’s team. With two goals against the Scots, it could have been three in the match if it weren’t for the referee’s incompetence, he reached the fourth in the world by scoring in the first three games. It was like that with Jairzinho, in 1970, Romário, in 1994, and Rivaldo, in 2002, years in which the team lifted the cup. Great statistic for those who like superstition. Rayan replaced Rafinha well and Matheus Cunha also stood out by finding the net against weak Scotland. Neymar entered the final stretch of the duel to start to pick up the pace and excited the crowd.
Brazil did its homework, came first and Morocco finished second with a 4-2 victory over Haiti. What worries me, however, is still the slowness of Ancelotti’s team at times. Against Japan or the Netherlands, likely opponents in the first knockout round, the opponent’s pressure on ball passes will be much greater, which leaves no room for drowsiness. In any case, the coach declared after the victory: “now we have a team.” The team will find out today, starting at 5pm, who they will play next Monday (29th), at 2pm, in Houston.
In the other definitions of the day, Mexico is having a historic campaign in the World Cup. By beating Czechia 3-0, they won all three first stage games. Highlight for goalkeeper Ochoa, who came on during the match and reached the mark of six world cups in his career, like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Second in Group A was South Africa, who defeated South Korea 1-0. The Asians will have to wait to find out if they are among the eight best third-placed teams. In group B, Switzerland beat Canada, 2-1, and finished top. The home team came in second place and secured an unprecedented qualification.
Below, this Thursday’s matches, with emphasis, of course, on the 5pm games that will define Brazil’s opponent.
- 5pm – Ecuador x Germany – Group E – New York
- 5pm – Curaçao x Ivory Coast – Group E – Philadelphia
- 8pm – Tunisia x Netherlands – Group F – Kansas City
- 8pm – Japan x Sweden – Group F – Dallas
- 11pm -Turkey x United States – Group D – Los Angeles
- 11pm – Paraguay x Australia – Group D – San Francisco
