In the first match, many championship candidates have not reached their best condition. Players have just gone through a long season with the club, so they cannot catch up immediately. Conversely, teams that are underestimated prepare very carefully and play with a comfortable mentality, creating a series of unexpected results. That is what we have witnessed in many previous World Cups.
However, in the second round of matches, the situation began to change. Big teams adjusted their squads, regained momentum and showed their inherent strength. In my opinion, the World Cup is always a tournament of adaptability. Strong teams do not always win from the beginning, but they know how to correct mistakes and accelerate at the right time.
Argentina is a clear proof. They won convincingly in the first two matches, but I still have a feeling that this team has not fully revealed its strength. What is noteworthy is not only Lionel Messi's form but also how coach Lionel Scaloni builds the tactical system.
Messi no longer has to run too much or participate in any situation. He is freed from most of the defensive work to save energy for decisive moments. Teammates are ready to compensate for the distance traveled, while Messi focuses on creating passes or actions that very few other players can perform. In my opinion, this is the biggest difference between Argentina today and previous periods. In the past, Messi was often in a lonely situation, but now the whole team operates to maximize the value of the number one star. That is also why I highly appreciate Scaloni. He does not build a team dependent on Messi but builds a team that knows how to support Messi.
In the opposite direction, Portugal still leaves many things to think about. Cristiano Ronaldo still proves his class when facing weaker opponents, but in my opinion, the problem lies in how to use this player in big matches.
No one can maintain their peak form forever. Ronaldo is still capable of making a difference, but the coaching staff needs to calculate his playing time and explosion time. I think if used more reasonably, Portugal will maximize Ronaldo's value instead of letting him bear too much in every match.
This also reflects the general trend of modern football. Strong teams no longer completely depend on a superstar, but build a system for stars to develop at the right time. Argentina is doing very well with Messi, while Portugal still has to find a solution with Ronaldo.
Spain is also a team that impressed me. Coach Luis de la Fuente prioritizes players suitable for the system rather than reputation. Each choice serves the overall operation of the team, from ball control, movement to connection between lines.
I also appreciate Mbappe. In the context that the French team no longer possesses a strong midfield as before, Mbappe is still a player who can make a difference by speed, breakthrough ability and independent handling. In my opinion, this is still a player with many opportunities to inherit Messi's position in the future.
