Weather Uruguay Failing to live up to pre-tournament expectations in their 2022 World Cup debut, Brazil and Portugal looked as convincing as any team to have played thus far.
Here’s everything that happened at the World Cup today and what to watch tomorrow.
Breel Plungerborn in Cameroon, scored the winning goal for Switzerland against the indomitable lions Thursday. Out of respect, he did not celebrate his goal.
Cameroon picking up three points against Switzerland is huge considering who their next two opponents are: Serbia and Brazil.
There were goalless draws in the first round of group stage matches (four to be exact), but none were as quiet as Uruguay-South Korea. Neither team shot on goal. However, both teams picked up points, which puts them in a good position heading into the last two group games.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, right, celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the World Cup 2022 group A qualifying match between Portugal and the Republic of Ireland at the Algarve Stadium on the outskirts of Faro, Portugal, on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. (AP Photo / Armando Franca)
(AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Cristiano Ronaldo he set things rolling for Portugal in their opening game of the tournament and his teammates returned the favor, scoring two more and holding off a late comeback from Ghana. Portugal are now at the top of the group and if they play consistently like they did on Thursday, there is no reason to believe they will fall from that place.
It is incredible that Brazil did not have more goals than against Serbia. We knew Brazil’s attacking combinations would be unfair even before kicking a ball, but they lived up to expectations in the first game. Of the 22 shots he took, nine were on target, and he finished with an xG of 2.34.
GOAL OF THE DAY
Forget goal of the day; this could be the goal of the tournament when all is said and done.
ASSISTANCE OF THE DAY
Bruno Fernandes he entered the tournament as one of the most dangerous preparers in the world; he demonstrated why on Thursday. Later, João Félix would have been offside.
ESSENTIAL MOMENT
Inaki Williams Ghana almost scored the equalizer at the last moment because they slipped behind Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who had no idea he was there.
Had he gone in, it would have been one of the most memorable moments of the tournament; instead, it’s just our must-see moment of the day.
Richarlison of Brazil celebrates after scoring a goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group G match between Brazil and Serbia at Lusail Stadium in Lusail City, Qatar on November 24, 2022.
(Fareed Kotb/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
wales vs iran 5am ET on FS1
Fans in Iran and Wales won’t be the only ones watching Friday’s match intently. The United States’ hopes of advancing to the knockout phase would be given a nice boost by a win or draw by Iran. The last thing the United States needs is a Welsh victory.
Qatar against Senegal, 8 a.m. ET on FS1
After losing their opener to Ecuador, Qatar will be looking to pick up their first win of the tournament against a Senegal side trying to do the same. A loss would effectively disqualify the host nation from the World Cup.
People gather around the official countdown clock showing the time remaining until the start of the 2022 World Cup, in Doha, Qatar, Thursday, November 25, 2021. Fans heading to the World Cup in Qatar must show a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival as part of the host nation’s rules to combat COVID-19, organizers said Thursday, September 29, 2022.
(AP Photo/Darko Bandic, File)
Holland against Ecuador, 11 a.m. ET on FOX
Ecuador had no problem against Qatar in the opening match of the tournament. How will it be fair against a team from the Netherlands coming off a confident win against a team many thought would be title dark horses?
england vs usa 2 pm ET on FOX
Football? Football? Everything will be decided on Friday, as will the United States’ path to the round of 16.