FIFA World Cup 2026 :Canada/Mexico/United States: Discussion Thread

[katanic97]

What a striker, what a goal from Lukaku. He came from the bench not up to two minutes to get an equalizer and level the scoreline. Lukaku has put Belgium back into the game as the scoreline is 1-1.

Why wasn't Lukaku included as a starter? Coach Rudi Garcia is a bit different, I'm sure when Lukaku starts the scenario will be different in attack because he has the right timing when kicking the ball.

The game ended in a draw, I think it was a fair score for both sides, Egypt weren't considered weak as I saw some good play as they threatened the Belgian goal several times but Cortouis made some good saves.

Lukaku was dealing with an injury back at Napoli and only recently recovered from it, but he seems to have lost some of his form. He's not quite the same player he was before, which is probably why he's not getting as many minutesIt was an interesting match, though. To be honest, both teams had chances and there easily could have been more goals at either end

[Joca97]

What a striker, what a goal from Lukaku. He came from the bench not up to two minutes to get an equalizer and level the scoreline. Lukaku has put Belgium back into the game as the scoreline is 1-1.

Why wasn't Lukaku included as a starter? Coach Rudi Garcia is a bit different, I'm sure when Lukaku starts the scenario will be different in attack because he has the right timing when kicking the ball.

The game ended in a draw, I think it was a fair score for both sides, Egypt weren't considered weak as I saw some good play as they threatened the Belgian goal several times but Cortouis made some good saves.

I think that Lukaku was injured and he is not fit to play all 90 minutes and i think that is the reason why he didnt play from the start. But still it was better once he played from the bench because he was fresh and made instant impact and he could have won the game for Belgium if he scored that header in the very end of the match. I think as he plays more he will get even more time to play.

This match in the end was a realistic result and both teams played really well. I didnt expect Egypt to play this well at all,if they continue like this they might pass the group.

[GbitG]

Absolutely, this is by far the biggest surprise we've seen until now. Spain had a lot of ball possession but it was mainly sterile, things got more interesting once Lamine Yamal came in. Very disappointing result but, at the same time, this is only the first match, many times in the past we've seen big teams under performing during the first match, it's not a big deal at the end.

apparently Spain underestimated Cape Verde and thought they could easily get three points. Spain's xG in this match was 2.1. it doesn't seem like very much but it's enough to score at least one goal. it's also worth noting that this is the first goalless draw at this World Cup and I don't think anyone expected it to happen in the Spain vs. Cape Verde match. you're right that this is only the first match and everything is still to come but having three points from the first match could make next games less nerve-wracking.

It's really surprising results like I was pretty obvious that Spain will absolutely dominating the match with awesome display but unfortunately the end result was pop on draw. Spain has really good team with so many talented player such Pedri, Lamin Jamal, Nico Williams etc but still they didn't capped any good progress I mean to scored a goal on their first ever match in World Cup....

However, match was pretty competitive because both side delivered super brilliant performance especially Sapin like they were completely in the top of the head but unfortunately due to solids defensive approach they didn't even spotted any single for on the first ever match. Today match was also a first ever world match for Lamin Jamal but unfortunately he didn't nothing.

[Taricoins]

I don't even know where Cape Verde is, but this is probably the biggest surprise of the World Cup so far, and also the first scoreless match of the tournament. But Spain had 74% possession and didn't capitalize on it, much like in the Switzerland game.

Absolutely, this is by far the biggest surprise we've seen until now. Spain had a lot of ball possession but it was mainly sterile, things got more interesting once Lamine Yamal came in. Very disappointing result but, at the same time, this is only the first match, many times in the past we've seen big teams under performing during the first match, it's not a big deal at the end.

Cape Verde is an African country

If you ever watch them play, you would never underrate them. They are very small country but they normally make it tough for Africa giants like Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa and Cameron. Get some of their highlights from AFCON and friendlies to check their performance.

But to be sincere, I never saw this coming despite knowing that Cape is very stubborn. What I still don't understand is why Cape Verde defended nothing throughout the game. This is not a knockout game yet, so I don't know what they aim to achieve with this draw.

One of the worse teams to play in Africa, but still like you said, I didn't expect this. Funny thing is that Spain where actually creating chances but that goalie was just too good for his age, a 40 years old goal keeper actually being a menace, all the more reasons Neuer shouldn't retire. There was there crossbar save he made from someone in Spain header that was too Athletic, it's wild.

But still Pedri was really great in this match, I feel Barcelona don't give him enough role to really show his brilliance in the final third

[Jessie2121]

First it was Spain, a disappointment to the fans for not getting all 3pt today and now we have Belgium struggling to beat Egypt which I think isn't going to be easy because Mo Salah and his teammates are not ready to lose their first game, it was a good match for both sides but unfortunately Belgium couldn't dig out all 3pt. We know that these are countries that we thought would have a free passage in their group but they struggle at the beginning, the shocking one is Spain, no goal today even with the good players they have nothing seems to happen in their favor. Which country do you think is more disappointing in their first game.?

[Furious 7]

I just don't know what to say man... How can Spain be that bad? You have the game in your control in fact but you are still so desperate to score!

Not even a single goal against a weak team? I respect Cape Verde's resistance but this is mostly because of Spain's being useless at finishing today.  



This result has just cost me a good amount of money...

This was definitely not expected and I think a lot of money was burnt on this match because of the unexpected result.
Spain's attacking scheme was difficult for me to guess as I was expecting Gavi to be the backup but he seemed to be trusted enough in a position that is not ideal for Gavi as he would be better suited in an attacking midfield and Nico started but the Spanish coach made things a little different for me in this match.

Their dominance is not to be doubted but for a goalless result against a team that even has a rank above 60. On the other hand I am quite happy with how Cape Verde survived that long of the wave attack that Spain did but they still managed to stay focused until the end.

[Frankolala]

[quote author=$crypto$ lpic=5431360.msg66840244#msg6840244 date=1781557402
Why wasn't Lukaku included as a starter? Coach Rudi Garcia is a bit different, I'm sure when Lukaku starts the scenario will be different in attack because he has the right timing when kicking the ball.

The game ended in a draw, I think it was a fair score for both sides, Egypt weren't considered weak as I saw some good play as they threatened the Belgian goal several times but Cortouis made some good saves.
[/quote] Lukaku is still not fit enough to play full game because he just came back from injury but even at that his presence added a good impact in the outcome of the game.

The moment Lukaku stepped his feet on the pitch, there was a change of game and the atmosphere changes automatically because the added more force on Belgium attack and mounted more pressure on the Egyptians. However, sharing point was the best.

[juttsab@]

Lolz, Germany really destroys their opponents in a very bad way, every team really has to face such a bad situation against Germany. Germany has scored a total of 5 goals in 70 minutes, the whole match is full of their attack, they have made a total of 23 shots, which is a very big amount of attack, there are still 20-25 minutes left in the match, they will still be on the lookout for goals, they will try to score more goals, their performance is really crazy, they only think about scoring goals, and no matter which team comes against them, they destroy them very badly, I think Germany will score more goals. 

Germany smashed 7 goals in their opening match of the World Cup against Curaçao. Nmecha has scored the first goal in the 6th minute and Curaçao equalized it in the 21st minute  scored by the Comenencia . Schlotterbeck scored the second goal in the 32nd minute and then Germany went on scoring  kai Havertz scored a brace 45+5 and 88th . Jamal Musiala scored 1 in the 47th brown score in the 68th  Undav in the 78th . 65% possession, 4.22xG, 6 big chances created out of which 4 were scored and a total of 26 shots. Kai Havertz was named as player of the match for his brace and incredible performance throughout 90 minutes.

[Obim34]

First it was Spain, a disappointment to the fans for not getting all 3pt today and now we have Belgium struggling to beat Egypt which I think isn't going to be easy because Mo Salah and his teammates are not ready to lose their first game, it was a good match for both sides but unfortunately Belgium couldn't dig out all 3pt. We know that these are countries that we thought would have a free passage in their group but they struggle at the beginning, the shocking one is Spain, no goal today even with the good players they have nothing seems to happen in their favor. Which country do you think is more disappointing in their first game.?

Egypt was actually leading until Lukaku entered and some how managed to force an own goal on the opponent, super substitutes that changed the final outcome of the match. It's not a surprise though, Egypt is not a small country, I expected a tough fixture like what just happened, 1-1 draw may not be the best result when taking side from any of the country, but based on the weight of both countries, it is a fair ending.

[Volgastallion]

What the hell is happening in this world cup, is jsut incredible to see more and more favorite teams just choking against low tier teams, the peak of this one was the Spain Cape Verde today, how it this possible i mean they have to destroy them but they only draw 0-0 a complete failure of a performance.

And Belgium also being in bad performane against Egypt.

[Stable090]

The World Cup favorites Spain, were held to a 0–0 draw by Cape Verde. I just saw the result, and I'm genuinely surprised.
Spain couldn't even score a goal.

It’s a surprise that Spain couldn’t get a win in the match, I never believed Spain will play draw in a match like this, with the squad which Spain are having, they couldn’t even get a goal in the match. Seriously some top countries might not really perform so well in this World Cup, we have been seeing top countries not doing well in their first match, let’s just enjoy the World Cup competition, but lots of gamblers are just going to be losing money, top countries are not really performing well.

Cape Verde is just a small country, and they don’t have experienced players, but with the squad that Spain are having, it’s really disappointing that they ended up playing draw in the match.

[SmartCharpa]

I don't even know where Cape Verde is, but this is probably the biggest surprise of the World Cup so far, and also the first scoreless match of the tournament. But Spain had 74% possession and didn't capitalize on it, much like in the Switzerland game.

I don’t think Spain is ready for this World Cup, this is one of the game that they should have score more than five goals. I would have disagreed if someone had predicted that this team will hold a record for a draw against Spain. It was an unbelievable performance from Cape Verde, Spain dominated them throughout the match, but failed to get a single goal. The Cape Verde goalkeeper deserve the credit for his performance against Spain, he was the hero of the game.

However, Spain underestimated Cape Verde until it was too late. In a team where they have Lamine and Nico Williams im their attacking lineup, the manager decided to started his three frontline with Gavi and Ferran Torres. Spain has failed to win their last two games, if Uruguay beat Saudi Arabia today, they will top the table with three points.

[CLS63]

What the hell is happening in this world cup, is jsut incredible to see more and more favorite teams just choking against low tier teams, the peak of this one was the Spain Cape Verde today, how it this possible i mean they have to destroy them but they only draw 0-0 a complete failure of a performance.

I can't imagine how many gamblers' bet on Spain and total goals lost today. I have seen even a crazy bet like a million dollar on Spain to win the match.

Spain couldn't even score a goal which is the biggest surprise of the tournament so far. They were gaining some good level of momentum in the last minutes of the first half. But they couldn't convert any of the chances.

And Belgium also being in bad performane against Egypt.

I was actually waiting for a surprise by Egypt so I can't say I'm very surprised. I don't find Belgium as good as in their past.

[Miles2006]

First it was Spain, a disappointment to the fans for not getting all 3pt today and now we have Belgium struggling to beat Egypt which I think isn't going to be easy because Mo Salah and his teammates are not ready to lose their first game, it was a good match for both sides but unfortunately Belgium couldn't dig out all 3pt. We know that these are countries that we thought would have a free passage in their group but they struggle at the beginning, the shocking one is Spain, no goal today even with the good players they have nothing seems to happen in their favor. Which country do you think is more disappointing in their first game.?

Egypt was actually leading until Lukaku entered and some how managed to force an own goal on the opponent, super substitutes that changed the final outcome of the match. It's not a surprise though, Egypt is not a small country, I expected a tough fixture like what just happened, 1-1 draw may not be the best result when taking side from any of the country, but based on the weight of both countries, it is a fair ending.

The World Cup currently is not about having the best players from my view, countries with best players are actually playing a draw match at the first phase of the World Cup, with all this I’m expecting less from these countries as time goes. Talking about Spain though they tried but, if they want to continue their joinery I hope they will have to do better meanwhile Egypt against Belgium have to be one of the most interesting and toughest match so far since the World Cup started, I enjoyed every single moment although Egypt had most of the lead probably as a result of Belgium playing wrong passes, definitely the defense team was solid I guess that’s one of the reason Egypt couldn’t score another goal.

[*Ace*]

The World Cup favorites Spain, were held to a 0–0 draw by Cape Verde. I just saw the result, and I'm genuinely surprised.
Spain couldn't even score a goal.

It’s a surprise that Spain couldn’t get a win in the match, I never believed Spain will play draw in a match like this, with the squad which Spain are having, they couldn’t even get a goal in the match. Seriously some top countries might not really perform so well in this World Cup, we have been seeing top countries not doing well in their first match, let’s just enjoy the World Cup competition, but lots of gamblers are just going to be losing money, top countries are not really performing well.

Cape Verde is just a small country, and they don’t have experienced players, but with the squad that Spain are having, it’s really disappointing that they ended up playing draw in the match.

Let’s just say that Cape Verde played the match of their lives against a national team that could well reach the final.
We would all have bet on a thrashing for Spain in this match, but instead we were in for a nasty surprise, with the game ending 0–0.
Spain now have to win their next few matches if they don’t want to jeopardise their World Cup campaign.

[Smartvirus]

Lolz, Germany really destroys their opponents in a very bad way, every team really has to face such a bad situation against Germany.

Germany smashed 7 goals in their opening match of the World Cup against Curaçao. Nmecha has scored the first goal in the 6th minute and Curaçao equalized it in the 21st minute  scored by the Comenencia .

Well, we just knew Germany against a team like Curaçao was obviously a most lose for Curaçao but the 7:1 scoreline is just something we shouldn’t be dealing with in a World Cup, it makes the league look a lot less prestigious. When they scored their only goal of the match, I came under the impression that they would try to hold a good game but, that was just a mirage.

Sweden did the same thing to Tunisia yesterday, after that first goal from a confusing scenario within the goalkeeper’s box and Ayari took that power shot from outside the box right into the net, you just know Sweden was going to bring the game to them. Surprisingly, Isak performed real good too, something he couldn’t do at Liverpool. Maybe he would turn out good next season.

[Taricoins]

What the hell is happening in this world cup, is jsut incredible to see more and more favorite teams just choking against low tier teams, the peak of this one was the Spain Cape Verde today, how it this possible i mean they have to destroy them but they only draw 0-0 a complete failure of a performance.

And Belgium also being in bad performane against Egypt.

Funny thing about the Belgium draw is that it was an Egyptian that scored both goals, lol. What is painful about this whole World Cup today dilemma was that Spain actually looked like they could win it but that goal keeper was just brilliant in his saves. Too bad I wasn't able to cash out today from this matchups because favoring Cape Verde to win with 2 goals ahead was a whooping 3 odds. Seeing all this and actually having the feeling that Egypts was going to get a goal and not playing it left me sad.

[Cassius55]

In today Matches veery embarassing spain that no win against Capo Verde with a roaster innumerable great than africans team. Spain nationa team is euro champions and did not a goal with this team, blue shark, that have not one player in principal european championship.

Belgium is embarassing too, they not win against egipt with salah is a semi retired player and no other champions on the roaster. very very bad.

[AakZaki]

How could Spain not win this match? It's quite an interesting score; it's truly unacceptable that they couldn't score against such an opponent. They've surprised all football fans right now; nobody expects a team that loses points in such a simple match to reach the final.

I'm not surprised they can't score, two forwards, one midfielder and one defender are Barcelona players, right? and there were a total of six Barcelona players who played in that match, they still couldn't beat the team that was ranked in the FIFA 64 rankings.

As a small picture, the Spanish national team this time is not much different from Barcelona who lost at the end of the laliga season, losing 3-1 against Valencia.
The Spanish national team, which is considered the favorite team, was embarrassingly held to a draw by a team from the FIFA 64 ranking.

[EL MOHA]

I'm not surprised they can't score, two forwards, one midfielder and one defender are Barcelona players, right? and there were a total of six Barcelona players who played in that match, they still couldn't beat the team that was ranked in the FIFA 64 rankings..

I think most people actually underrated the African country, I think it’s now time for some respect. People who are seriously surprised about this performance by Cape Verde are actually those who haven’t looked at the progress of this nation in football. They have been having a remarkable journey for the past 5 years now and even in the nations cup they have repeatedly be a big nuisance and they didn’t just have the platform to actually announce themselves to the world but today with the help of this tournament they have done that.