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Shkruar nga Pamfleti
All 48 teams have already played their first match in this World Cup and it is time for the first analyses.
France, Argentina and England confirmed their status as favourites. Kylian Mbappe scored twice in France's 3-1 win over Senegal. Lionel Messi scored a hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria. Harry Kane scored twice in England's 4-2 win over Croatia.
It was different with Brazil, Spain and Portugal, which lost points in their opening matches.
With the current format, where eight of the 12 third-placed teams advance, the risk of elimination in the group stage remains low. However, the early performance provides important signals for the knockout stages.
Brazil
The 1-1 draw with Morocco was the least surprising result of the three disappointments for the favorites.
Morocco arrived at this World Cup after reaching the semi-finals of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, winning the Africa Cup of Nations and climbing to seventh place in the FIFA rankings, just one position behind Brazil.
However, the concern is not related to the result, but to the game.
The Moroccans dominated the first half hour, shooting 12 times on goal against just three Brazilian attempts, and took the lead in the 21st minute. Only an individual action by Vinicius Junior restored the balance and changed the course of the match.
The main problem remains the midfield. Casemiro and Fabinho are not providing the necessary guarantees and Morocco constantly created chances by penetrating the center of the field.
Carlo Ancelotti is still looking for a solution to this problem. If he doesn't find one, Brazil could suffer even against stronger opponents in the knockout stage.
Anxiety level: 5/10
Spain
The goalless draw with Cape Verde was the biggest surprise of the first round.
On the one hand, Spain completely dominated. They had 74 percent of the ball possession and had 27 shots on goal compared to just six attempts by their opponents.
On the other hand, the match brought back memories of recent World Cup eliminations.
In 2018, Spain dominated Russia but were eliminated on penalties. In 2022, they controlled the game against Morocco but suffered the same fate.
Striker Mikel Ojarzabal was among the most criticised, but he created five personal chances and could easily have scored. His form last season with Real Sociedad and appearances for the national team give reason for optimism.
Another factor is the lack of full fitness of Lamin Jamal and Nico Williams. The two players played just 22 minutes in total against Cape Verde.
When they return to their best, the Spanish attack is expected to become much more dangerous.
Spain remains the favorite for first place in the group and a long run in the tournament.
Anxiety level: 2/10
Portugal
Portugal took an early lead against the Democratic Republic of Congo with Joao Neves' goal in the sixth minute and everything seemed simple.
But after that moment the team lost momentum. Portugal managed only one more shot in the first half and Joan Uisa equalized at the end of it.
In the second half, the Portuguese controlled the ball with 68 percent possession, but created very little. In the entire second half, they registered only five attempts to Congo's two.
The main debate is related to Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 41-year-old played the entire match and remains untouchable in the starting lineup. However, at times he seems more of a hindrance than a solution.
The Portuguese midfield is considered among the most talented of this generation, but the team continues to build plays primarily to create chances for Ronaldo, rather than looking for the most efficient alternative.
The problems aren't limited to the captain. Pedro Neto, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao and Francisco Conceicao produced just one shot and one created chance during the national team's final 180 minutes.
If Portugal finishes the group in second place, they could face very strong opponents in the first rounds with direct elimination.
Without resolving the dilemmas surrounding Ronaldo's role and the functioning of the attack, the team's potential remains limited./"Yahoo sports.com ", adapted in Albanian, Pamfleti
Anxiety level: 8/10
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