After three group stage matches, the England team may not have delivered the most explosive football at the 2026 World Cup , but what coach Thomas Tuchel has built has made many opponents wary, from their control and discipline to their ability to finish matches at the right time. Leading Group L with 7 points, the "Three Lions" have shown they don't need beautiful wins to be a title contender.
In tonight's Round of 32 match (July 1st), England's opponent will be the Democratic Republic of Congo, a team that only qualified as one of the best third-placed teams. However, it would be a mistake to underestimate the African representative. They held Portugal to a draw in their opening match and made Colombia struggle to secure a minimal victory. Their well-organized defense and excellent physical fitness are their biggest strengths. Furthermore, their squad boasts many players who are currently or have previously played in the English Premier League. Their deep understanding of English football allows them to anticipate the strengths of many of England's stars.
Speaking ahead of the match, Vietnam national team defender Truong Tien Anh commented that coach Thomas Tuchel would not change his approach to the game. “I think England, although no longer as flamboyant, will still control the game. Under coach Thomas Tuchel, they play proactively, dynamically, and flexibly in their ball distribution. The Democratic Republic of Congo is a tight-defending team, so England will face many difficulties. The match against Portugal in the group stage showed that. Therefore, I still believe in Harry Kane 's class. I think the 32-year-old striker will score and England will win to advance to the quarterfinals.” If that scenario happens, it will be proof that England always knows how to overcome big challenges with composure, coolness, and effectiveness, true to the philosophy that Thomas Tuchel is building.
The clash between Belgium and Senegal in the Round of 32 is not just a showdown between European and African football styles; it's also a test of character for Belgium's "golden generation." Coach Rudi Garcia's team advanced to the knockout round as group G winners, but their group stage performance raised questions about their ability to capitalize on opportunities and maintain consistency. Kevin De Bruyne remains the midfield maestro, Thibaut Courtois provides solidity in goal, and Romelu Lukaku, despite not being in peak physical condition, is still expected to make a difference if he performs better.
With their experienced squad, Belgium are considered the favorites, but the pressure is also greater as this could be the last World Cup for many key players who were expected to reach the pinnacle of success. Conversely, Senegal once again proved their status as the leading force in African football by advancing through the group stage with a strong fighting spirit. Coach Pape Thiaw's team possesses excellent physical fitness, the ability to switch between attacking and defensive phases quickly, and players with exceptional flair like Sadio Mané. These factors make Senegal a formidable opponent that no major team wants to face.
ESPN commented: Senegal is an African team with enough speed, stamina, and experience to cause Belgium significant problems. If they can neutralize De Bruyne and maintain the intensity of their pressing throughout the 90 minutes, the African representatives could certainly spring a surprise against Belgium, as the Belgian team still shows weaknesses in their defense.
Experts rate Belgium higher due to their experience in big matches and a more balanced squad, but the gap between the two teams isn't as large as many imagine. Senegal may be at a disadvantage in terms of ball control, but they possess a formidable weapon: speed in counter-attacks and the ability to exploit opponent mistakes. If De Bruyne has enough space to control the game, Belgium will have a good chance of advancing. Conversely, if Mané and his teammates drag the game into a back-and-forth struggle and force their opponents to chase, the balance could completely shift. This is predicted to be a tense match, where just one moment of brilliance or a small mistake could decide who gets a ticket to the round of 16.
The US team's performance in the group stage is building confidence in a victory for the host nation in their Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their group stage performance showcased a modern, high-intensity pressing style of play with fast-paced attacks down the flanks under Argentinian coach Mauricio Pochettino. Their comfortable wins against Paraguay and Australia demonstrated their attacking prowess. However, despite rotating key players to conserve energy in their final match against Turkey, a team already eliminated and lacking motivation, the US defense has been somewhat weakened, a weakness that Pochettino needs to address against Bosnia and Herzegovina's fast-paced attacks.
On the European side, coach Sergej Barbarez's team always prioritizes efficiency, tenacity, and extensive experience. They often proactively play solid defense, waiting for opportunities to counter-attack, exploiting long passes and aerial balls to supply the striker Edin Dzeko up front. Although the US is considered to have a stronger squad, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a very difficult team to beat. It is possible that both teams will have to go into extra time, or even decide the winner through a penalty shootout.
Source: https://nhandan.vn/cuoc-doi-dau-cua-cac-truong-phai-bong-da-post972617.html
