Six matches in, and we have now seen quite a variety of matches. I am still buzzing from Bulgaria's thrilling finish against Colombia. This is how we stand:
So to our final two groups. The top two seeds in each boast some mahoosive names, but that doesn't mean the other teams will let them have it all their own way.
Group G
South Korea vs Honduras
A strong performance in the Asian Championship means South Korea are the third seeds in this group, and their reward is that they get a match where they are favourites. It is realistically a must-win game for both teams, if they are to get close to the knockout stages.
South Korea's attacking midfielders Kang-In Lee, Jesse Lingard and Cesinha are a quality trio, who will look to play off target man Martin Ádám. There is less nuance about Honduras' tactics, as draft strikers Romell Quioto and Alberth Elis (who I remember scouting in real life when he played in the MLS) head up an old-fashioned 4-4-2.
A strong performance in the Asian Championship means South Korea are the third seeds in this group, and their reward is that they get a match where they are favourites. It is realistically a must-win game for both teams, if they are to get close to the knockout stages.
South Korea's attacking midfielders Kang-In Lee, Jesse Lingard and Cesinha are a quality trio, who will look to play off target man Martin Ádám. There is less nuance about Honduras' tactics, as draft strikers Romell Quioto and Alberth Elis (who I remember scouting in real life when he played in the MLS) head up an old-fashioned 4-4-2.
Straight away South Korea are onto the front foot. Kim Jin-Su's cross from the left causes Honduras problems, and the loose ball falls to Cesinha eight yards out. He leathers it past José Mendoza, but it hits the underside of the bar, bounces just before the goal line and loops away to safety!
The next time Kim Jin-Su has the ball high up the left he decides to cut inside, and his deflected shot brings a good reaction stop from Mendoza. The game immediately feels like a training drill, with Honduras sitting back with under 20% possession. But they are holding firm; South Korea find themselves putting in crosses that Honduras deal with, and whilst the Asian side manage 9 shots in the opening quarter of the match, none are on target.
A couple of minutes before half time Lingard stands up another cross. Ádám is interested, but it goes over him and lands perfectly at the feet of Kang-In Lee. He has time to set himself, but from five yards out he manages to hit his shot straight at Mendoza! Like Cesinha's, that was a huge chance! At half time it is still 0-0, somehow.
The next time Kim Jin-Su has the ball high up the left he decides to cut inside, and his deflected shot brings a good reaction stop from Mendoza. The game immediately feels like a training drill, with Honduras sitting back with under 20% possession. But they are holding firm; South Korea find themselves putting in crosses that Honduras deal with, and whilst the Asian side manage 9 shots in the opening quarter of the match, none are on target.
A couple of minutes before half time Lingard stands up another cross. Ádám is interested, but it goes over him and lands perfectly at the feet of Kang-In Lee. He has time to set himself, but from five yards out he manages to hit his shot straight at Mendoza! Like Cesinha's, that was a huge chance! At half time it is still 0-0, somehow.
With Honduras simply offering nothing going forwards thus far, South Korea replace Matej Jonjic with the much more attacking right back Seol Yung-Woo. But if anything South Korea are less threatening in the second half, with fewer shots - Honduras even have a couple of shots of their own.
Cesinha has a shot from range over the bar, but has a much better opportunity in the 73rd minute thanks to a fine long ball from Seol Yung-Woo. Cesinha brings it down well, and gets a firm shot away, but Mendoza is able to get in the way. From the corner Kim Min-Jae gets to it, but the ball is ever so slightly too high, flicking the top of the bar and going over.
An issue for South Korea is that there is a fairly clear drop-off in talent from their bench compared to their started, and as their forwards tire Honduras just look more and more comfortable. In the end, they see it through to full time fairly easily.
Cesinha has a shot from range over the bar, but has a much better opportunity in the 73rd minute thanks to a fine long ball from Seol Yung-Woo. Cesinha brings it down well, and gets a firm shot away, but Mendoza is able to get in the way. From the corner Kim Min-Jae gets to it, but the ball is ever so slightly too high, flicking the top of the bar and going over.
An issue for South Korea is that there is a fairly clear drop-off in talent from their bench compared to their started, and as their forwards tire Honduras just look more and more comfortable. In the end, they see it through to full time fairly easily.
Final score:
South Korea 0
Honduras 0
Player of the match: José Mendoza (HON)
Honduras were pretty effective in stopping their opponents - one tactic they used was having striker Elis man-mark opposition playmaker Osmar out of possession - but they also torpedoed their own attack in the process. This result isn't ideal for either team in terms of progression, but for Honduras it does mean they get a DWC point in their first appearance.
South Korea 0
Honduras 0
Player of the match: José Mendoza (HON)
Honduras were pretty effective in stopping their opponents - one tactic they used was having striker Elis man-mark opposition playmaker Osmar out of possession - but they also torpedoed their own attack in the process. This result isn't ideal for either team in terms of progression, but for Honduras it does mean they get a DWC point in their first appearance.
Spain vs Argentina
The other two teams in this group aren't the most imposing, and so you could expect these two to go through, but of course nothing is certain and whoever drops points here will have extra pressure in their next game. These two have met twice in the DWC before, and it was Argentina who knocked out Spain both times - in the 2020 semi finals on penalties, and 3-1 in the 2022 second round. Spain have beaten Argentina once, 1-0 in the Champion of Champions last year.
Spain's starting XI is dominated by Real Madrid players, including the entire midfield as Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric are considered to give the best platform for Jude Bellinham to tear forwards. For Argentina, of course the focus is on Lionel Messi - who won the 2018 DWC with Spain - and how to get the best from him. He is fielded on the right wing, ahead of a very neat passing midfield and with support from attacking right back Luis Advíncula.
The other two teams in this group aren't the most imposing, and so you could expect these two to go through, but of course nothing is certain and whoever drops points here will have extra pressure in their next game. These two have met twice in the DWC before, and it was Argentina who knocked out Spain both times - in the 2020 semi finals on penalties, and 3-1 in the 2022 second round. Spain have beaten Argentina once, 1-0 in the Champion of Champions last year.
Spain's starting XI is dominated by Real Madrid players, including the entire midfield as Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric are considered to give the best platform for Jude Bellinham to tear forwards. For Argentina, of course the focus is on Lionel Messi - who won the 2018 DWC with Spain - and how to get the best from him. He is fielded on the right wing, ahead of a very neat passing midfield and with support from attacking right back Luis Advíncula.
Luka Modric looks to have set Robert Lewandowski up for an easy finish with a low ball across, but Cristian Romero immediately shows why he was drafted with an outstanding block. The Croatian has a half-chance himself when a cross is cleared to him, but he blazes over.
Spain's lack of natural width is helping Argentina neutralise them, but just after the half hour Antoine Griezmann pulls wide and exchanges passes with Éder Militao. Griezmann receives the ball in the box, gets away from Marcos Rojo and rifles a shot past Sergio Romero to open the scoring!
There is suddenly a bit more zip about Spain now. Lewandowski releases Griezmann down the right, and he cuts it back to Modric in support. He picks out a perfect cross to Jude Bellingham waiting, and he powers his header in via the underside of the bar!
Suddenly, from being fairly secure in the match, Argentina are 2-0 down at half time and haven't had a shot yet.
Spain's lack of natural width is helping Argentina neutralise them, but just after the half hour Antoine Griezmann pulls wide and exchanges passes with Éder Militao. Griezmann receives the ball in the box, gets away from Marcos Rojo and rifles a shot past Sergio Romero to open the scoring!
There is suddenly a bit more zip about Spain now. Lewandowski releases Griezmann down the right, and he cuts it back to Modric in support. He picks out a perfect cross to Jude Bellingham waiting, and he powers his header in via the underside of the bar!
Suddenly, from being fairly secure in the match, Argentina are 2-0 down at half time and haven't had a shot yet.
Argentina make one change at the break, as Manuel Lanzini is replaced by Santiago Longo, who is given the task of hassling Modric. But Spain have threats everywhere, and five minutes into the half David Alaba's well-timed run draws players out of position. He plays it wide to Vinícius Júnior and he puts it through for Bellingham charging into the box, and he makes no mistake to score! But VAR wants to have a look... and they spot that Bellingham was just offside! A shame for Spain after such a nice move, but hope for Argentina.
The South Americans really can't get their attack firing, and Spain seem the more likely to score. Ronald Araujo rattles the crossbar with a header from a corner. But in the 76th minute a hopeful early cross from Advíncula tempts Thibaut Courtois out of his goal, only for him to fail to reach it. It falls to Argentine sub Jaminton Campaz, who guides his header into the unguarded goal!
Spain make two changes, and the two replacements immediately combine. Inaki Williams not only wins the ball back for Spain but breaks down the right and crosses for Federico Valverde, whose shot draws a good save from Sergio Romero.
As we hit added time Marcelo Sarrachi wins Argentina a corner. Spain leave Messi unmarked on the edge of the box, and he switches across to Campaz whose shot is only just over the bar. It proves to be Argentina's last effort, and Spain see it out!
The South Americans really can't get their attack firing, and Spain seem the more likely to score. Ronald Araujo rattles the crossbar with a header from a corner. But in the 76th minute a hopeful early cross from Advíncula tempts Thibaut Courtois out of his goal, only for him to fail to reach it. It falls to Argentine sub Jaminton Campaz, who guides his header into the unguarded goal!
Spain make two changes, and the two replacements immediately combine. Inaki Williams not only wins the ball back for Spain but breaks down the right and crosses for Federico Valverde, whose shot draws a good save from Sergio Romero.
As we hit added time Marcelo Sarrachi wins Argentina a corner. Spain leave Messi unmarked on the edge of the box, and he switches across to Campaz whose shot is only just over the bar. It proves to be Argentina's last effort, and Spain see it out!
Final score:
Spain 2 (Griezmann 33', Bellingham 37')
Argentina 1 (Campaz 76')
Player of the match: Luka Modric (ESP)
That match was almost identical to France's win over Ecuador. Both teams seemed to be cruising only to be given a scare, but ultimately not coming under much pressure. Argentina will be disappointed with how little they created, but this was a respectable showing.
Spain 2 (Griezmann 33', Bellingham 37')
Argentina 1 (Campaz 76')
Player of the match: Luka Modric (ESP)
That match was almost identical to France's win over Ecuador. Both teams seemed to be cruising only to be given a scare, but ultimately not coming under much pressure. Argentina will be disappointed with how little they created, but this was a respectable showing.
Spain already have a foot in the next round. Whilst Argentina are a defeat away from elimination, they will fancy their chances of finishing ahead of the other two teams based on their showings so far.
Group H
Dominican Republic vs Brazil
With heavyweights Brazil and Saudi Arabia meeting in their final group game, both will expect to be already qualified by then. Dominican Republic have shown this season how difficult they can be to overcome, but they are the first team to qualify for the DWC whilst being ranked outside the world's top 100, so we shouldn't expect too much from them.
Dominican Republic have some difficult decisions to make, as they have a few players who would expect to start behind front man Mariano. They choose for two narrow attacking midfielders, Armando Vargas and Heinz Morschel, but have wider players to bring on if needs be. Brazil's choice to partner Bruno Guimaraes in midfield is between Fernandinho and André, with a whopping 17 years between them. It is the old-timer who is given the nod here, but he isn't the oldest in the XI thanks to Thiago Silva.
With heavyweights Brazil and Saudi Arabia meeting in their final group game, both will expect to be already qualified by then. Dominican Republic have shown this season how difficult they can be to overcome, but they are the first team to qualify for the DWC whilst being ranked outside the world's top 100, so we shouldn't expect too much from them.
Dominican Republic have some difficult decisions to make, as they have a few players who would expect to start behind front man Mariano. They choose for two narrow attacking midfielders, Armando Vargas and Heinz Morschel, but have wider players to bring on if needs be. Brazil's choice to partner Bruno Guimaraes in midfield is between Fernandinho and André, with a whopping 17 years between them. It is the old-timer who is given the nod here, but he isn't the oldest in the XI thanks to Thiago Silva.
Dominican Republic's two AMs are given the brief of shadowing Brazil's DMs, which does help disrupt their opponents, but it only takes 13 minutes for Brazil to open the scoring. James Rodríguez has been fairly involved, and he threads a good pass through for Dudu to bury a low shot past Antonio Santurro!
Another 13 minutes later and Brazil win a corner. Dominican Republic clear the first ball, but it only goes as far as Thiago Silva, who picks out Bruno Guimaraes for a simple finish!
Dominican Republic have a corner of their own which comes out to Vargas, and his shot whistles just past the post. Despite the scoreline they have restricted Brazil to just four shots in the opening half hour, and have actually had more of the ball. But life isn't fair, and Brazil get a third when a corner is worked to Dudu on the edge of the box, his low shot beating Santurro.
Dominican Republic's goalkeeper denies Giorgian De Arrascaeta from close range, but at half time Brazil are cruising three goals to the good.
Another 13 minutes later and Brazil win a corner. Dominican Republic clear the first ball, but it only goes as far as Thiago Silva, who picks out Bruno Guimaraes for a simple finish!
Dominican Republic have a corner of their own which comes out to Vargas, and his shot whistles just past the post. Despite the scoreline they have restricted Brazil to just four shots in the opening half hour, and have actually had more of the ball. But life isn't fair, and Brazil get a third when a corner is worked to Dudu on the edge of the box, his low shot beating Santurro.
Dominican Republic's goalkeeper denies Giorgian De Arrascaeta from close range, but at half time Brazil are cruising three goals to the good.
The second half is almost entirely devoid of action, which can be seen as suiting both teams in a way. Rodríguez rattles the woodwork with a long-range free kick in the 90th minute. And then in the final minute of added time Dominican Republic's substitutes break forward. Sebastián Ternero slides a pass through for Jarol Herrera, and he crosses for Gustavo Azcona to nod in! It may not change the outcome of the match, but what a moment for Dominican Republic on their DWC bow!
Final score:
Dominican Republic 1 (Azcona 90+3')
Brazil 3 (Dudu 13', 37', Guimaraes 27')
Player of the match: Dudu (BRA)
That late sitter means Dominican Republic almost matched Brazil's xG, which is remarkable given their relative status. They really put in a solid showing, we've seen much higher-ranked teams than them lose their heads against the bigger teams. Brazil would have liked a better second half performance, but they don't have too much to worry about.
Dominican Republic 1 (Azcona 90+3')
Brazil 3 (Dudu 13', 37', Guimaraes 27')
Player of the match: Dudu (BRA)
That late sitter means Dominican Republic almost matched Brazil's xG, which is remarkable given their relative status. They really put in a solid showing, we've seen much higher-ranked teams than them lose their heads against the bigger teams. Brazil would have liked a better second half performance, but they don't have too much to worry about.
Hungary vs Saudi Arabia
So to our final game of the opening round of games. We would expect Saudi Arabia's minted side to win, but Hungary are a dogged team and may just spring a surprise.
Hungary spring a little surprise, as natural striker Aleksandar Pesic is not included, with winger Marquinhos starting, as he should be able to link up better with Hungary's other players. There are only two changes to the Saudi Arabian side that started the Asian Championship final. One is enforced thanks to Jordan Henderson's move away, so Frank Kessié starts. The other is Karim Benzema reclaiming his place up front ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. He will have to perform to keep the DWC record goalscorer out of the team though.
So to our final game of the opening round of games. We would expect Saudi Arabia's minted side to win, but Hungary are a dogged team and may just spring a surprise.
Hungary spring a little surprise, as natural striker Aleksandar Pesic is not included, with winger Marquinhos starting, as he should be able to link up better with Hungary's other players. There are only two changes to the Saudi Arabian side that started the Asian Championship final. One is enforced thanks to Jordan Henderson's move away, so Frank Kessié starts. The other is Karim Benzema reclaiming his place up front ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. He will have to perform to keep the DWC record goalscorer out of the team though.
Adama Traoré powers past Fabinho and forces Yassine Bounou into a good stop. 20 minutes in Hungary win a free on the right side of the box. Dominik Szoboszlai clips it to the far post where Myenty Abena outjumps Merih Demiral to head Hungary into the lead!
Hungary have had 30% possession but every shot (3) of the match so far, which sums up the two teams so far. And five minutes later Aymeric Laporte loses Tokmac Nguen, and his fizzed low cross is turned in by Marquinhos! I've been bigging up Saudi Arabia, but this is a catastrophe!
Szoboszlai draws a save from Bounou, but then he is forced off injured - that will be a big concern for Hungary. Kristoffer Zacharaissen comes on, and soon after has a shot deflected behind.
In the 40th minute Saudi Arabia start another patient passing move. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic slips a pass inside of Abena for Neymar to run onto. Hungary can't get to him as he scampers into the box, and from a tight angle places a lovely finish past Dénes Dibusz!
Saudi Arabia look to keep up the momentum with a good-looking attack soon after but it breaks down. Dibusz plays a long ball forward that Demiral completely miscontrols, giving it straight to Marquinhos. He runs at Demiral and gets into the box, but can't beat Bounou with his shot. Still, at half time Hungary are fully worthy of their 2-1 lead.
Hungary have had 30% possession but every shot (3) of the match so far, which sums up the two teams so far. And five minutes later Aymeric Laporte loses Tokmac Nguen, and his fizzed low cross is turned in by Marquinhos! I've been bigging up Saudi Arabia, but this is a catastrophe!
Szoboszlai draws a save from Bounou, but then he is forced off injured - that will be a big concern for Hungary. Kristoffer Zacharaissen comes on, and soon after has a shot deflected behind.
In the 40th minute Saudi Arabia start another patient passing move. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic slips a pass inside of Abena for Neymar to run onto. Hungary can't get to him as he scampers into the box, and from a tight angle places a lovely finish past Dénes Dibusz!
Saudi Arabia look to keep up the momentum with a good-looking attack soon after but it breaks down. Dibusz plays a long ball forward that Demiral completely miscontrols, giving it straight to Marquinhos. He runs at Demiral and gets into the box, but can't beat Bounou with his shot. Still, at half time Hungary are fully worthy of their 2-1 lead.
Saudi Arabia make one change, as the yellow-carded Kessié is replaced by Rúben Neves. Five minutes in, Hungary get a free kick on the opposite side to the one that lead to Abena's goal. It's Nguen who takes, he too aims for Abena at the far post... and again he gets on it and manages to squeeze his shot home from the tightest of angles! Incredible!
It prompts Saudi Arabia into a triple change, with Ronaldo and full backs Alex Telles and Saud Abdulhamid coming on, as they adopt an attacking 4-2-4. Kalidou Koulibaly garners a save from Dibusz from a corner, whilst Neymar has a shot deflected just wide by Willi Orbán.
As we enter the final 20 minutes Abdulhamid stands up a cross and Ronaldo rises highest and heads it down and in! Such a simple goal, maybe Saudi Arabia need to start these two next time?
Alex Telles gets in on the action with a shot pushed behind by Dibusz. From the corner Hungary clear it, but the referee blows for a shove from Cristian Ramírez! So Ronaldo has a chance from the spot to level... he shoots left, but it's at a nice height for Dibusz to save, and he does! That is not the taker you would have expected to miss this tournament's first penalty!
It seems to knock the stuffing out of Saudi Arabia, they fail to create anything else and fall to a defeat that could be devastating for their chances!
It prompts Saudi Arabia into a triple change, with Ronaldo and full backs Alex Telles and Saud Abdulhamid coming on, as they adopt an attacking 4-2-4. Kalidou Koulibaly garners a save from Dibusz from a corner, whilst Neymar has a shot deflected just wide by Willi Orbán.
As we enter the final 20 minutes Abdulhamid stands up a cross and Ronaldo rises highest and heads it down and in! Such a simple goal, maybe Saudi Arabia need to start these two next time?
Alex Telles gets in on the action with a shot pushed behind by Dibusz. From the corner Hungary clear it, but the referee blows for a shove from Cristian Ramírez! So Ronaldo has a chance from the spot to level... he shoots left, but it's at a nice height for Dibusz to save, and he does! That is not the taker you would have expected to miss this tournament's first penalty!
It seems to knock the stuffing out of Saudi Arabia, they fail to create anything else and fall to a defeat that could be devastating for their chances!
Final score:
Hungary 3 (Abena 21', 50', Marquinhos 25')
Saudi Arabia 2 (Neymar 40', Ronaldo 72')
Player of the match: Myenty Abena (HUN)
Of course, the penalty skews the graph below. Saudi Arabia were playing catch-up from the start, as their tentative style was jumped upon by a pumped-up Hungary side. The Asian champions eventually found a way to turn their possession into chances, but it proved to be too little, too late.
Hungary 3 (Abena 21', 50', Marquinhos 25')
Saudi Arabia 2 (Neymar 40', Ronaldo 72')
Player of the match: Myenty Abena (HUN)
Of course, the penalty skews the graph below. Saudi Arabia were playing catch-up from the start, as their tentative style was jumped upon by a pumped-up Hungary side. The Asian champions eventually found a way to turn their possession into chances, but it proved to be too little, too late.
(My) predictions of a potential Saudi title challenge look outdated now, but they will hope to still find a way through.
Three matches so far have seen a team beat a higher-ranked opponent, and all three have involved the three wealthy Middle Eastern nations. Saudi Arabia join Qatar in suffering a hugely damaging loss, but UAE's win over South Africa had them looking strong.
We've had some drama already, and the groups are only just underway. We could now start to see teams qualify for the knockout stages next time, as we go back to Groups A & B.
We've had some drama already, and the groups are only just underway. We could now start to see teams qualify for the knockout stages next time, as we go back to Groups A & B.