The primary spherical of video games on the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an finish, and it has been an exhilarating trip to date.
The so-called larger groups, excluding and , haven’t essentially regarded convincing.
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The so-called smaller nations have actually put up a valiant combat, with many stunning tales, like holding to a draw and DR Congo refusing to fold towards .
The Congo-Portugal recreation came about final night time, together with England-Croatia, Ghana-Panama and Colombia-Uzbekistan.
Barça’s new signing Anthony Gordon and loanee Joao Cancelo featured final night time, so allow us to see how the duo fared for his or her respective nations.
Joao Cancelo vs DR Congo
Quiet night time and a irritating consequence for Cancelo. (Photograph by Alex Slitz/Getty Pictures)
He might not be a everlasting Barça participant but, however there may be .
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He began for Portugal, however his night time was fairly irritating. The Seleccao took an early lead by means of , just for to equalise earlier than half-time as DR Congo earned a historic level.
The Barcelona full-back did have moments of risk. He delivered a harmful ball throughout the field within the first half and later had an acrobatic end dominated out for offside.
His total show nonetheless felt uneven, with Portugal dominating possession with out turning it into sufficient clear possibilities.
That has at all times been the Cancelo trade-off. He can create angles most full-backs don’t see, however when the sport turns into messy, his risk-taking could make his efficiency look unfastened quite than managed.
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Anthony Gordon vs
Room for enchancment for Gordon. (Photograph by Michael Steele/Getty Pictures)
Gordon began for of their 4-2 win over Croatia.
For Gordon, the consequence was higher than the efficiency. England scored 4, and grabbed the highlight, and ultimately changed Gordon within the 72nd minute earlier than scoring late.
Gordon labored laborious and saved making an attempt to stretch Croatia’s backline, however he by no means actually grew to become a central determine in England’s finest attacking moments.
Gordon’s directness is helpful, particularly in transition, however Barça followers will wish to see extra high quality in settled possession: cleaner mixtures, sharper remaining balls and higher timing when areas are tight.
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General, this was a quiet Barcelona day. Gordon obtained the win however not the affect, whereas Cancelo confirmed flashes with out producing a decisive motion. Each stay price watching, however Barça followers will anticipate extra authority subsequent time.