Two rounds of video games within the 2026 FIFA World Cup have come and gone, and there’s a truthful concept of which groups are enjoying nicely and which groups nonetheless have a protracted technique to go.
Final evening, set the stage alight following a poor first recreation in opposition to Congo, placing 5 previous with out reply.
Commercial
turned the newest star to hitch the celebration, scoring a brace following related contributions from , and .
England performed subsequent in opposition to and confronted opponents who selected to take a seat again and defend, take the purpose and transfer on to the following recreation.
The Three Lions tried their finest to interrupt down the African workforce’s defensive wall, however the recreation finally ended 0-0.
then went on to safe a slender 1-0 win over , whereas adopted swimsuit with the identical scoreline in opposition to Congo.
From a Barça perspective, each and Anthony Gordon featured for his or her nations, and allow us to see how they fared.
Commercial
Joao Cancelo vs Uzbekistan
Cancelo had an help in Portugal’s 5-0 win. (Photograph by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Photographs)
Joao Cancelo began for Portugal of their 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. He assisted Cristiano Ronaldo’s opener inside six minutes.
It was a really Cancelo second: superior on the correct, daring sufficient to assault the byline and sharp sufficient to show possession into a transparent probability.
Cancelo was taken off at half-time, however Portugal went on to dominate, ending with 66 % possession.
This was the model of Cancelo that all the time feels tempting. He offers a workforce concepts from full-back, not simply assist.
Commercial
Even when he isn’t good defensively, his means to create from uncommon angles can change the movement of a recreation.
Barça have nonetheless not wrapped up Cancelo’s signing, however performances like these solely make the case for inclusion even stronger.
Anthony Gordon vs Ghana
Gordon’s night was a lot tougher. England had 78.8 % possession in opposition to Ghana, however nonetheless failed to attain in a match that turned a lesson in how sterile dominance can look with out sharpness within the last third.
Gordon didn’t have the specified influence. (Photograph by Richard Pelham/Getty Photographs)
The winger was changed by within the sixty fifth minute after a efficiency that had effort however not sufficient influence.
Commercial
England’s huge provide faltered, with solely one in all 12 crosses accomplished earlier than the break, regardless of Gordon and producing transient flashes.
Barça followers could have questions of their minds about Gordon. His tempo and directness are helpful, however Barcelona demand greater than motion.
In opposition to a deep block, you want clear choices, disguised passes and calm last actions.
Total, Cancelo gave Barcelona supporters one thing encouraging to take from the day. Gordon, in the meantime, nonetheless has to indicate he will be greater than energetic when the areas disappear.