After Brazil’s 10-0 victory over Cuba in their World Cup debut in Uzbekistan, some questioned the strength of their first opponent. In their second match against Croatia, Brazil once again demonstrated their dominance, winning 8-1 and solidifying their status as the tournament favorite, alongside defending champion Portugal. In Marquinhos Xavier’s 100th match as coach, his team secured another win. Since 2021, Xavier has relied on a core group of stars, making Brazil the oldest team in the competition with an average age of 32.5 years, followed by Spain at 31.1.
Seven Brazilian goals came from players in the Spanish Primera División, which has contributed the most players to the World Cup with 42. Marcel and Pito each scored twice, while Neguinho, Dyego, Rafa Santos, and Arthur added to the tally. Ferrao also made his debut after missing the opening match. Brazil now leads Group B and has qualified for the round of 16 alongside Thailand. Miguel Rodrigo’s ‘Elephants’ of Thailand dismantled Cuba with an impressive second-half performance, winning 10-5 in the highest-scoring match of the tournament so far. Muhammad Osamanmusa, from Jimbee Cartagena, scored twice for Thailand. On Friday, Thailand and Brazil will face off to determine the group winner.
Groups
In Group A, Paraguay also secured its second win, making Carlos Chilavert’s team a formidable opponent in the knockout stage. They beat Uzbekistan 4-1, leaving José Venancio López’s team on the verge of elimination. Uzbekistan will need to beat Costa Rica, who drew 2-2 with the Netherlands, in the final round to advance. Costa Rica could still progress as one of the four best third-placed teams, even if they lose.
After a 1-1 draw in their opening match against Kazakhstan, Spain faces New Zealand on Wednesday in Group D. Fede Vidal’s team is under pressure to win after New Zealand’s loss to a surprising Libya, led by Ricardo Íñiguez. Libya is currently leading the group and will face Kazakhstan earlier in the day. Goal difference will play a crucial role in determining Spain’s path to the round of 16. If Spain tops Group D, they will face the best third-placed team from Group B (Croatia or Cuba), Group E (Tajikistan or Panama), or Group F (Venezuela or Guatemala).
If Spain finishes second, they will play the Group E winner (Portugal or Morocco). As the best third-placed team, Spain would face the Group A leader (Paraguay). To top their group, Spain must win both remaining matches and outperform Kazakhstan in goal difference. Barcelona’s Adolfo Fernández emphasized the importance of each game, saying, “Every match is a final, and every goal matters. We need to frustrate our opponents and give our best.” Sergio Lozano will miss Spain’s next matches due to a calf injury from the opening game, although the RFEF has not yet given a definitive diagnosis.
The day’s matches will conclude with Angola vs. Ukraine and a compelling Argentina vs. Afghanistan match to determine the leader of Group C.
