The first round of the World Cup ended this Wednesday (17), with the last four duels valid for Groups K and L. The next week of games starts this Thursday (18), at 1 pm (Brasília time), with the confrontation between Czechia and South Africa.
In the biggest edition of all time, the tournament showed a promising start, with teams from countries without much tradition presenting a good technical level. On the other hand, some favorites stumbled on their debut and have already turned on the warning signal for the continuation of the competition.
Highlights
Germany
In search of the fifth world championship, Germany took no notice of Curaçao and . Kai Havertz (twice), Felix Nmecha, Nico Schlotterback, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav scored for the Germans in Houston. Livano Comenencia scored on the opposing side.
Now, the team led by Julian Nagelsmann faces Ivory Coast next Saturday (20), at 5pm (Brasília time), in Toronto.
Argentina
Current world champions, Argentina had a great debut and beat Algeria 3-0. He was the highlight on the field, with three goals scored, a feat that made him the top scorer in the history of the competition.
The Argentines return to the pitch on Monday (22), at 2 pm, to face Austria, in Dallas. The South American country ends its participation in Group J on the 27th, at 11 pm, against Jordan.
France
Led by Kylian Mbappé, France defeated the strong Senegal team 3-1 in New Jersey. The Real Madrid striker reached the mark of 14 goals in World Cups.
Coach Didier Deschamps’ team returns to the field on Monday (22), at 6 pm, where they face Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field, in Philadelphia.
Disappointments
Spain
Considered one of the favorites for the title in this edition, Spain stumbled in its debut and ended up in a 0-0 draw with newcomers Cape Verde. The goalkeeper and defenders Diney and Pico Lopes were the highlights of the duel in Atlanta.
Now, The Red will try to recover in Group H next Sunday (21), at 1 pm, when they face Saudi Arabia.
Portugal
Another traditional team that stumbled in the first round was Portugal, who drew 1-1 with DR Congo. It went blank, but João Neves did it on the Portuguese side. Yoane Wissa, who plays in the Premier League, left everything the same.
The Portuguese will chase the positive result on Tuesday (23), at 2 pm, against Uzbekistan, in Houston.
