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

[AYOBA]

Such results can be continued as luck but when good teams cannot add points to their side, there may be no logical consolation.

A prepared team against a less prepared team, i would give this as an example rather than saying a strong team against a weak team.
Because from what we've seen the team that is labelled weak still got a draw against a hypothetically strong team.
The conversation is always the same, every game is a different story, no matter who is stronger on paper, the game is played on the pitch.

That’s all about football it’s unpredictable a teams that you didn’t expected them to perform well will later bring out a positive results, let use today’s match between Portugal Congo DR as an example who expedited that Portugal will play draw against their opponents? Because everyone knows that their stronger than the Congo DR, but look at what happened at the end of the match they got a draw; and even in the statistics Portugal where dominated the entirely games.

I knows that a-lots of gamblers will lose their bet because most of them bet Portugal straight winning, and that’s why not all the time we can underrate weak the teams.

[Egii Nna]

This is just the beginning, I hope that in the second half Portugal will win the match easily, if they are held to a draw or lose this could be embarrassing especially since Ronaldo did not bring his team to victory will be ridiculed on social media.

But I believe in the second half there will be a different scheme of play from Portugal, the first half won unexpectedly because Congo managed to score through Wissa's header with his cross, the second half has started.

It’s a real shame because the match is about to end, but the score is still tied at 1-1. Congo’s defense is incredibly tight, making it difficult for the Portuguese players to get near the penalty box. And it looks like this match will indeed end in a 1-1 draw. And well, a draw would certainly be quite disappointing. But in the World Cup, this sort of thing is quite common. Teams like Spain have experienced the same thing, and now it’s happening to Portugal as well.

And it seems Portugal hasn’t been able to create many chances in this match either. They’ve maintained possession but keep hitting a wall when building their attacks. On the other hand, Congo always has quick counterattacks.

The game has ended, and from all indications, Portugal will have to be more serious. The defense performance that Congo showed today was really impressive; even though it was not easy for them, the defense was so hard for Portugal to break. I was not expecting such a result in this game. I was expecting to see Portugal win the game, but we ended up seeing a draw. Funny enough, Portugal only had one shot on target, that shows how active Congo was in defense.

[Emitdama]

Portugal were held to a 1–1 draw by DR Congo, and the two teams shared the points.

Everyone expected Portugal to win. I thought they would score in the second half as well, but despite dominating possession and creating pressure, they couldn't find the winning goal.

It was an excellent start for DR Congo, as they managed to take a valuable point against one of the tournament favorites.

With this level of performance form Portugal is not going to be have good event for them they were having good ball control but still Congo cemented defense never allow them to have match winner specially after watching hat-trick from Messi Ronaldo fans were excited to have something special from him but sadly he fail to give anything good.

Congo was at top of game and they never allow Portugal attack to break their defense and have anything good Portugal is having one of the competitive sides but things were never been on their way in this game.
This group was one of the toughest, but now with this performance from Congo, things have gone on another level for all teams. After a few hours, Uzbekistan is going to entertain Colombia.

[W Jr.]

I totally agree, Portugal played very poorly. the team was very slow and created small amount of chances. they managed only one shot on target against DR Congo during the match. Ronaldo should have been substituted after the first half, he wasn't in good enough physical condition to play the entire match but head coach was probably afraid to replace him. DR Congo looked quite good on the counterattack and with a little more finishing skill they could have beaten Portugal.

I have honestly been wondering why Portugal had such a poor performance, because I had taught  they would be better  than their opponent seeing that they had better players quality and depth than their opponent, but sadly we see the scoreline and we are just caught up in the surprise that they were unable to make the impression everyone has expected of them. Let us see what they will be able  to get as the competition progresses on.

I also thought they would win this match, but I think most people in the world were wrong. Portugal expected three points but ended up with only one. They might even have lost, and I'd say they were lucky to have even managed to get a point. They were expected to win by three goals. But the World Cup has seen many surprises, and this was one of them.

[Slimzeee]

Portugal were held to a 1–1 draw by DR Congo, and the two teams shared the points.

Everyone expected Portugal to win. I thought they would score in the second half as well, but despite dominating possession and creating pressure, they couldn't find the winning goal.

It was an excellent start for DR Congo, as they managed to take a valuable point against one of the tournament favorites.

DR Congo was even the main threat in the match. They were so composed and well organized defensively, and their ball play was well synchronized.
They have the physicality required for the midfield, and they were not playing like underdogs. They might have had lesser possession, but THEY were going all out to get something meaningful out of the game with any little chance they had, and I absolutely love that for an African team.

[Obim34]

I have honestly been wondering why Portugal had such a poor performance, because I had taught  they would be better  than their opponent seeing that they had better players quality and depth than their opponent, but sadly we see the scoreline and we are just caught up in the surprise that they were unable to make the impression everyone has expected of them. Let us see what they will be able  to get as the competition progresses on.

Removing Ronaldo would have helped Portugal in the match, letting him play full time affected them. Ronaldo die hard fans don't want to hear this, following what Messi did against Algeria, Ronaldo isn't fit for that, his performance today is worse than average. He didn't chase the ball, he wasn't involved in play making, and he didn't have a good attempt, if Portugal wants to go far in the competition, they need to regulate Ronaldo playing time for someone who is young and fit.

[Solodoski]

I have seen a lot of comparison between the two big stars to ever play football in our generation. In Portugal the team don't play to fit Ronaldos pattern. That's the difference between the system in Argentine to that of Portugal. The system in Argentina favors Messis so much even in his old age. I dont like to see the comparison between Ronaldo and Messi because today I watch the greatest hate watch of the season.

[Mustang Shelby]

The match between England and Croatia is about to begin. Both teams have had significant success in Europe. While Croatia's aging squad has been somewhat lacking in recent success, they are still a team that can pose a threat to England. It will be an enjoyable match to watch. We see two teams that could reach the finals of the European Cup meeting in the first stage of the World Cup.

[Derekfunds]

Leo Messi has won the World Cup, and he is really enjoying his last dance of the tournament. He has proved himself that he can still play at his top level. Many people think his career has finish after some injuries before the World. I believe the knockout stage will determine how far the Argentina team will go in the World Cup, because they will like to win it for the second time in a row.

If that is possible, for other formidable countries to let Argentina win the World Cup yet again, to join Italy and Brazil that have done so before. Let's see what unfolds in the matches of the World Cup, what Argentina will pull through. If they maintain a strong performance to the semifinals or the finals they get to. We will discuss it here, what awaits them

The world just started with everyone almost concluding their first and with what I just witnessed it's pure evidence that Argentina will be one of the teams that would be very difficult to stop and although many people claim that the last one was rigged in their favor it's still not that easy for this to be true and beside we are seeing how they are performing, they are playing very well so far and I am sure that they will get to the knockout phases even up to the semi finals.

I won't disagree with you judging with what they played against Algeria. I was thinking the Country will give Argentina tough time but I was surprised at the fulltime result. There is one funny thing people always do, I was passing today and some Christiano Ronaldo's fans where talking as if it was Argentina that was playing because of the rival and competition between the two folks but the truth is that we can not actually use one match to tell what will happen for sure in the world cup.

[xzone]

The match between England and Croatia is about to begin. Both teams have had significant success in Europe. While Croatia's aging squad has been somewhat lacking in recent success, they are still a team that can pose a threat to England. It will be an enjoyable match to watch. We see two teams that could reach the finals of the European Cup meeting in the first stage of the World Cup.

Group L will kick off the World Cup with this match. Looking at the teams in the group, I think England and Croatia will advance, so this match will be crucial. Under normal circumstances, it's not difficult to predict that England will win this match; they shouldn't have too much trouble. However, since it's the first match, teams can make mistakes, as we've seen in previous games. If Croatia manages to get points from this match, they will gain a huge advantage

[Woodie]

This worldcup is full of surprises and the action is just getting warmed up... first it was the Spain game which recorded the most unlikely result we can think of (goalless draw ) and now Portugal with a great start could not keep their lead as the Congo was not ready to lose against a star sided team..more draws to happen is my game play going forward.

[ASloveapg]

I have seen a lot of comparison between the two big stars to ever play football in our generation. In Portugal the team don't play to fit Ronaldos pattern. That's the difference between the system in Argentine to that of Portugal. The system in Argentina favors Messis so much even in his old age. I dont like to see the comparison between Ronaldo and Messi because today I watch the greatest hate watch of the season.

You are right about this, if we think about Messi and Argentina, the whole team sees Messi as the captain and gives him the maximum advantage on the field, that is, everything is under Messi's control there, because everyone in the team sees Messi as the captain.

But in the case of Ronaldo, this never happens, they cannot create situations for Ronaldo to shoot, they do not play according to Ronaldo's style, which is absolutely true. I did not see Ronaldo take a good shot in this match. Argentina can break a team's defense and create good attacking opportunities, but Portugal cannot, and this was seen very well in this match.

[ryzaadit]

Thanks Portugal.

Just f*ck up my parlays 🤣 to be honest these World Cup are really unpredictable. The match each of them ended with Draw, I think so many people got rekt on these Fifa World Cup 🤣

I also one of them Parlay with Portugal.

[allfriends88]

The game has ended, and from all indications, Portugal will have to be more serious. The defense performance that Congo showed today was really impressive; even though it was not easy for them, the defense was so hard for Portugal to break. I was not expecting such a result in this game. I was expecting to see Portugal win the game, but we ended up seeing a draw. Funny enough, Portugal only had one shot on target, that shows how active Congo was in defense.

It's not about Congo defense doing well, I don't think that's the case at all, the fact is that Portugal performance was so poor that they could only manage one shot on target and had to share the points. I wonder why Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't replaced in the second half and kept on until the end of the match? he was quite slow, Portugal could be a team that won't last long in this tournament if they play like this.

[Mayor of ogba]

What baffled me in this match is that Portugal only managed to get one goal on target, what happened to their strikers that they could fire more shots and target. DR Congo even got 2 shots on target despite that Portugal had a possession of 75% - while Congo had 25%. The defense of DR Congo did everything possible to prevent Portugal from a maneuver. I can even count how many times that Ronaldo touched the ball. African teams are becoming too difficult for some top European teams to win. Who would have known that despite all the expectation from Cristiano Ronaldo that he will end this match without scoring a goal, knowing that his rival player Lionel Messi scored a hat trick earlier today. Anyway, Portugal struggled during the qualifier stage so it's not surprising that they faced difficulty in their first match.

I was surprised that Cristiano Ronaldo had two shots against DR Congo, and these two shots was in the second half and non was on target. I started watching the Portugal vs DR Congo match in the second half and with the way Portugal dominated DR Congo I'm still in shock Portugal couldn't get more shots on target and win the match. The defense of DR Congo was solid and they did a good job to stop Portugal from scoring another goal in the second half. Even as Messi scored a hat trick, I didn't expect anything from Cristiano Ronaldo because he has been struggling in Portugal World Cup friendlies, but I'm just disappointed that Portugal players couldn't collectively win DR Congo.

[yixichloro2xx]

What baffled me in this match is that Portugal only managed to get one goal on target, what happened to their strikers that they could fire more shots and target. DR Congo even got 2 shots on target despite that Portugal had a possession of 75% - while Congo had 25%. The defense of DR Congo did everything possible to prevent Portugal from a maneuver. I can even count how many times that Ronaldo touched the ball. African teams are becoming too difficult for some top European teams to win. Who would have known that despite all the expectation from Cristiano Ronaldo that he will end this match without scoring a goal, knowing that his rival player Lionel Messi scored a hat trick earlier today. Anyway, Portugal struggled during the qualifier stage so it's not surprising that they faced difficulty in their first match.

I was surprised that Cristiano Ronaldo had two shots against DR Congo, and these two shots was in the second half and non was on target. I started watching the Portugal vs DR Congo match in the second half and with the way Portugal dominated DR Congo I'm still in shock Portugal couldn't get more shots on target and win the match. The defense of DR Congo was solid and they did a good job to stop Portugal from scoring another goal in the second half. Even as Messi scored a hat trick, I didn't expect anything from Cristiano Ronaldo because he has been struggling in Portugal World Cup friendlies, but I'm just disappointed that Portugal players couldn't collectively win DR Congo.

The Portuguese team needs to tell themselves the truth , that Ronaldo can't be in a starting eleven.  To be honest I didn't see Ronaldo today, I only saw a man roaming around the field waiting for pass. The Portuguese team were trying to make Ronaldo score which was futile.  The coach should've subbed him out in the 70th minutes, so that new fast players can enter the game. Portuguese team underestimated Dr Congo today not only them though every football fans expect Portugal to win by 3-4 goals margin. Portugal has one of the best midfield in the world cup and almost lost to DR Congo who weren't clinical with their chances today.

[Egii Nna]

The game has ended, and from all indications, Portugal will have to be more serious. The defense performance that Congo showed today was really impressive; even though it was not easy for them, the defense was so hard for Portugal to break. I was not expecting such a result in this game. I was expecting to see Portugal win the game, but we ended up seeing a draw. Funny enough, Portugal only had one shot on target, that shows how active Congo was in defense.

It's not about Congo defense doing well, I don't think that's the case at all, the fact is that Portugal performance was so poor that they could only manage one shot on target and had to share the points. I wonder why Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't replaced in the second half and kept on until the end of the match? he was quite slow, Portugal could be a team that won't last long in this tournament if they play like this.

The belief fans had in Portugal is not small, and I also doubt they will last long in this tournament seeing their performance. It’s very painful seeing their performance. Although they made their choice, maybe they underestimated Congo, that was why. If not, Ronaldo playing for the complete 90 minutes will make him weak because he is not young anymore. Although, the good part of it is that they shared a point instead of losing, because it would be very disappointing if they lost.

[Mustang Shelby]

England are currently leading Croatia thanks to a penalty goal. Croatia will try to equalize, but that's difficult against a team like England. I think England will be very good at maintaining their lead. However, Croatia also has many experienced players. I hope the remaining minutes will be an enjoyable match.

[7788bitcoin]

~
Removing Ronaldo would have helped Portugal in the match, letting him play full time affected them. Ronaldo die hard fans don't want to hear this, following what Messi did against Algeria, Ronaldo isn't fit for that, his performance today is worse than average. He didn't chase the ball, he wasn't involved in play making, and he didn't have a good attempt, if Portugal wants to go far in the competition, they need to regulate Ronaldo playing time for someone who is young and fit.

I agree with your view that  Ronaldo did not perform well in this match. He was not involved in playmaking and was stood isolated without the ball and he was too slow in responding and reacting to the crosses that came his way.

The Portugal defense was also not that great either. They need to change their game plan completely if they want to be successful in this competition.

The England vs Croatia match is underway and Harry Kane has just scored a penalty.

[Xyloo]

England are currently leading Croatia thanks to a penalty goal. Croatia will try to equalize, but that's difficult against a team like England. I think England will be very good at maintaining their lead. However, Croatia also has many experienced players. I hope the remaining minutes will be an enjoyable match.

Croatia actually scored a goal, and the match is currently tied. Croatia scored through Baturina, a player Como brought to Italian football. He also scored in the World Cup. Croatia found the equalizer in a match where they were trailing. If they surprisingly score another goal, the match will take a very different turn. An unexpected situation from England.