The World Cup Starts Now

Argentina's victory last night marked an unprecedented achievement: the top four teams in the FIFA rankings are the four remaining contenders in the tournament. Unlike previous years, where nations like Croatia or Morocco unexpectedly reached the final stages, this time the favorites have held their ground and are poised for the ultimate showdown.

The tournament organizers also facilitated this dominance, preventing early clashes between the 'sharks.' Perhaps the closest encounter between top contenders was Portugal vs. Spain (though it hardly felt like a match between equals). Belgium inadvertently paved the toughest path for Spain. Argentina, consistently battling, overcame Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland. England dispatched Mexico, Congo, and Norway. France faced Sweden, Paraguay, and Morocco. Falling to any of these opponents would have been a tremendous disappointment. As Martínez would say, the World Cup truly begins now.

Argentina continues to rely on Messi for breakthroughs, despite possessing individual talent even without him. Their vulnerabilities when conceding possession are evident and could be further exposed as the level of opposition rises. Scaloni has guided them to this stage despite these issues, not by fully resolving them.

Even with the Wonderwall sung at full volume, Tuchel's criticisms of England's performance were still heard. The truth is, the weather conditions were far from ideal, and the Norwegians had already shown they meant business. The limited space they allowed between the lines, with Kane rarely able to receive the ball, restricted access to vital attacking areas. The manager's tactical acumen, along with England's bench, proved crucial. Saka, Eze, and Spence offered new solutions to Tuchel against an exhausted Norway.

Spain, despite facing the most challenging route, consistently prevailed. While some players don't appear to be in peak physical condition, the team finds collective solutions to their problems. There's a sense that they are the only team that has been truly tested at a higher level. Will that make the difference?

I've saved France for last because they are the strongest contenders. Despite some difficulties against low blocks, their individual supremacy is clear, and they were never truly at risk of elimination. Dembélé and Mbappé symbolize a team that is superior in almost every department and boasts the best bench in the competition. Perhaps it's too soon to say, but I can't recall a national team with so many elite options. The pressure now rests squarely on Deschamps' shoulders.