World Cup Daily: Portugal, Brazil look like contenders in tournament debuts
While Uruguay failed to live up to its pre-tournament hype in its 2022 World Cup debut, Brazil and Portugal looked as convincing as any team that's played so far. Here's everything that happened in the World Cup today and what to watch tomorrow.
Breel Embolo, who was born in Cameroon, scored the game-winner for Switzerland against the Indomitable Lions on Thursday. Out of respect, he didn't celebrate his goal.
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Watch Switzerland's Breel Embolo scoring a goal against Cameroon in the 48' in the 2022 Men's FIFA World Cup.
Switzerland picking up three points against Cameroon is huge considering who its next opponents are: Serbia and Brazil.
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Switzerland held on to win 1-0.
There were scoreless draws in the first round of group stage matches — four to be exact — but none was as uneventful as Uruguay-South Korea. Neither team had a shot on goal. Both teams picked up points, though, which puts them in a good position going into the final two group stage matches.
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Both teams threatened late but Uruguay and South Korea came to a 0-0 draw.
Cristiano Ronaldo got things going for Portugal in its first game of the tournament and his teammates returned the favor, scoring two more and holding off a late comeback effort from Ghana. Portugal is now at the top of the group, and if it consistently plays like it did on Thursday, there's no reason to believe it'll fall from that spot.
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Cristiano Ronaldo made his fifth World Cup appearance with Portugal in the first match against Ghana.
It's incredible that Brazil didn't have more goals than it did against Serbia. We knew Brazil's attacking combinations would be unfair before a ball had even been kicked, but they lived up the hype in the first game. Of the 22 shots it took, nine were on target, and it finished with an xG of 2.34.
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Brazil and Serbia faced off in their 2022 FIFA World Cup opener with solid performances on both ends
GOAL OF THE DAY
Forget Goal of the Day; this might be the Goal of the Tournament when it's all said and done.
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Watch Brazil's Richarlison score a goal against Serbia in the 73' in the 2022 Men's FIFA World Cup.
ASSIST OF THE DAY
Bruno Fernandes entered the tournament as one of the world's most dangerous setup men — he showed why on Thursday. Any later, João Félix would have been offside.
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Watch Portugal's Joao Felix scoring a goal against Ghana in the 77' in the 2022 Men's FIFA World Cup.
MUST-SEE MOMENT
Iñaki Williams nearly bagged a late-equalizer for Ghana because he sneaked behind Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who had no idea he was there.
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In a WILD finish, Portugal's Goalkeeper Diogo Costa makes a late-game miscue and doesn't see Ghana's Iñaki Williams who steals the ball, but falls trying to net the game-tying goal.
Had it gone in, it would have been one of the tournament's most memorable moments — instead, it's just our must-see moment of the day.
Wales vs. Iran, 5 a.m. ET on FS1
Fans of Iran and Wales won't be the only people watching Friday's game attentively. The United States' hopes of advancing to the knockout stage would get a nice boost with an Iran win or draw. The last thing the U.S. needs is a Wales win.
Qatar vs. Senegal, 8 a.m. ET on FS1
After losing its opener to Ecuador, Qatar will be looking to get its first win of the tournament against a Senegal team trying to do the same. A loss would effectively disqualify the host nation from the World Cup.
Netherlands vs. Ecuador, 11 a.m. ET on FOX
Ecuador had no problem against Qatar in the opening match of the tournament — how will it fair against a Netherlands side coming off of a confidence-building win against a team many thought would be a dark horse for the title?
England vs. United States, 2 p.m. ET on FOX
This match will not only have a huge impact on whether the U.S. can advance from Group B, it is big enough that it has the potential to change the world's perception of American soccer.
Coach Gregg Berhalter says his squad will attack and won't sit back, but a draw would be a fine result for the Americans.
Read more from the World Cup:
- World Cup 2022 highlights: Portugal escapes Ghana, 3-2
- World Cup 2022 highlights: Switzerland wins 1-0 vs. Cameroon
- World Cup 2022 highlights: Urguay-South Korea battle to scoreless tie
- USMNT vows not to sit back, will attack England in key clash
- Who should USA fans root for in Iran vs. Wales?
- Team USA could change world's perception of American soccer vs. England
- Prince William advises England on how to block distractions
- Why the USA can find vindication in World Cup's two big upsets
- World Cup 2022 odds: Expect record-breaking betting on USMNT-Wales match
- USMNT embracing underdog role against England ahead of Friday's match
- Jedi Robinson has personal motivation to summon the force vs. England
- Get to know the USMNT's 26-man World Cup roster
- How to watch every game of the 2022 World Cup
Check out the full schedule for the World Cup and how to watch each match live here.
Check back in after every matchday of the 2022 FIFA World Cup!