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FIFA World Cup 2026

Student of Life said:
Curaçao 🇨🇼 goalie was amazing against Ecuador 🇪🇨.
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Eloy Room - I saw him play for Columbus Crew numerous times. He was fairly solid at MLS levels and was part of our 2020 title-winning team. His legacy at Columbus is pretty mixed, however, as he had some injury issues and publicly held some, shall we say, very divisive, political views that I and many others strongly disagree with.
 
Student of Life said:
Curaçao 🇨🇼 goalie was amazing against Ecuador 🇪🇨.
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Not to take anything away from Room's performance, but he really didn't have to make any top class saves. Ecuador kept shooting straight at him, time and time again. It was incredibly frustrating. We knew scoring goals would be a question mark for Ecuador, but they've struggled more than I ever expected. So disappointing.

Their defensive core should be intact for the next World Cup cycle, with Pacho, Hincapie, Ordonez, and Caicedo all being 24 or younger. Can Ecuador actually develop good attacking talent that can work through a low block and reliably put the ball in the net? A lot rides on Kendry Paez's development — he was clearly not ready this time, not earning a minute of playing time so far.
 
I don’t want to over-generalize but smaller central/south American international sides tend to be compact, physical, skilled at tactical fouling, but somewhat weak in attacking penetration and finishing.

At least that’s been my experience when USA face CONCACAF/CONMEBOL nations other than the elites. So Ecuador’s performance was not that unusual, but as you say even in that context their attack was lacking.
 
Japan look like dark horses. Have played well in both games, granted we'll see how they fare against stiffer competition

But look a good team so far.
 
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Yeah, their team spirit and formational discipline is fearsome.

I do think Netherlands could have beat them if the coach hadn’t decided to park the bus so early.
 
Corefile said:
An Asian team or an African team winning the World Cup would be brilliant.
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This is the the beauty of the World Cup, it’s ultimately predictable that Argentina or France are going to win it, but the group stages allow pretty much any team to dream a little…
 
Cabo Verde with cooler heads near the goal could have beaten Uruguay yesterday. The lack of experience shows.

It's clear it's not a technically evolved team at least compared with others but the heart, pressing and pure teamwork make up for it. I really wish they manage to get out of the group stage.
 
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I’ll watch Messi tonight, if I’m still awake I’ll watch Haaland and Norway a bit later.

Ronaldo and Portugal tomorrow is definitely possible.
Seeing what Sweden can do against Japan at midnight to 26th CET is a must. See if they have got their tactics together otherwise they will fall 😱
 
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disappointed by Austria's performance. Norway match I had to miss due to being at night , but I watched the highlights and absolutely loved the celebration they did at the end with the fans.
 
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Argentina 🇦🇷 Messi, Messi ⭐️

Norway 🇳🇴 Haaland Footballs candy ⭐️

France 🇫🇷 and Mpappé not bad either 🎉
 
zephonic said:
To me, Cristiano Ronaldo is a bit like Lebron James. Individually great, but team results do not necessarily reflect that.

I prefer players who make the whole team play better.
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Completely agree with you.

A gifted (if aging) footballer, but a massive narcissist, a most disagreeable trait.
 
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