62 shots. Over 100 touches in the opposition box. An Expected Goals total of almost 3.5. Those are the stats of Turkey’s attack in the matches against the two weaskest sides in Group D, Australia and Paraguay. And somehow, someway, Turkey scored zero goals, picked up zero points, and are eliminated from the World Cup before they even play the United States in the final group game.
A very talented generation that created tons of hope with a strong showing at EURO 2024 and a really good Qualifying campaign
was unable to turn their statistical dominance into what actually matters in football: put the ball in the back of the net. Arda Güler’s passing and creativity were wasted, Kenan Yildiz played injured and still did more than enough to help his team, and captain Hakan Çalhanoglu saw one long-distance shot after another hit everything but the target.
Vincenzo Montella has never fully convinced the nation with his coaching, and his job will almost certainly be in major jeopardy after such a disappointing end to what was expected to be a dark horse type of World Cup campaign for a very talented generation. But his ultra-attacking style left his defense exposed time and time again throughout his tenure, and Turkey paid for it at the biggest stage.
As for the loss to Paraguay, it was absolutely wild. The game had everything: a great early goal, some incredible missed chances by the Turkish attack, and a refereeing performance by CONCACAF’s own Iván Barton that needs to be seen to be believed.
We also saw the first-ever red card for a player covering his mouth during a confrontation, and Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón has now been subjected to punishment from two new obscure rules in the same World Cup. It was a truly bonkers match, perfect for the neutrals, unforgettable for Paraguayans, and truly tragic for Turkey.
Mauricio Pochettino was fooling us all
For the vast majority of his time as USMNT boss, Mauricio Pochettino did not fill his nation with a lot of hope for a World Cup they would host and had big dreams for. The results were far from encouraging, the performances wildly disappointing, and his demeanor not exactly confidence-inspiring.
But after another excellent win against a (very) physical Australian team in Seattle to book an early spot in the Round of 32, Pochettino has proven he knew what he was doing. His team looks incredibly well prepared, and the performance without Christian Pulisic on Friday was proof of Mauricio’s ability to create a structure in and out of possesion that can thrive even in the absence of the team’s best player.
Pochettino is doing what every top coach in any sport should: maximize players’ strenghts and hide their weaknesses within the team’s structure. Every defender, midfielder and forward looks comfortable in their role, and the tactical discipline with and without the ball combined with the individual brilliance from the likes of Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie and Antonee Robinson is beyond impressive to watch.
The USMNT is for real, they can rest every important starter in the last game against Turkey now that first place is guaranteed, and they will likely have Pulisic back for the first knockout game. And with this version of Pochettino at the helm, they truly have everything they need to make real noise.
Bayern Munich keeps winning, even at the World Cup
Morocco’s win over Scotland was not exactly a thrilling watch, but one big moment stood out in a big way: Ismael Saibari scored an absolutely spectacular winning goal and an early contender for Goal of the Tournament to put his nation on course for a spot in the Round of 32, and his performances in the World Cup so far are really big news for a club that does nothing but win: Bayern Munich.
The German champions are expected to finalize Saibari’s signing from PSV Eindhoven in the coming days, adding a very talented and versatile attacking midfielder to one of the most formidable attacks in Europe. Saibari can play anywhere across the frontline, is a perfect fit alongside Harry Kane, and has shown a knack for beautiful goals in this World Cup which will be very appreciated in Bavaria.
Bayern players have been amazing so far in the World Cup: Michael Olise was sensational in France’s debut against Senegal, the large Bayern contingent shined in Germany’s rout of Curaçao, Luis Díaz put on a show in Colombia’s opening win, and Kane scored twice in a big England victory against Croatia.
It’s truly annoying how Bayern keep winning even while on vacation.
Brazil may finally have a number nine again
The Seleção’s victory over Haiti in their second group game in Philadelphia was never really in doubt given the difference in quality between the two nations, and Vini Jr. once again ran the show as Brazil bounced back from a disappointing performance against Morocco and improved their chances of finishing first in Group C.
Raphinha’s injury is a reason for concern and Brazil’s midfield looked better against Haiti but is still a big question mark for the bigger games ahead, but Carlo Ancelotti received some very good news with the performance of Matheus Cunha.
The Manchester United do-it-all forward started ahead of Igor Thiago, and unlike previous games where played as a false nine, Cunha was a true striker and showed the scoring chops of a number nine with an expert finish for the second of his two goals on the night.
Cunha’s all-around play will always be his biggest asset, but Brazil haven’t had a great striker in almost two decades and need a leader up front who can finish the chances created by their very talented wingers. At least on Friday’s evidence, Matheus Cunha might just be that guy.
