Mexico and South Korea, the first winners: Julián Quiñones opened Mexico’s victory against South Africa in the opening match. The final score was 2-0, with a second goal from Raúl Jiménez. The match left three expelled: Sithole and Zwane, for the African team, and César Montes, for the North American team.
For its part, South Korea came back from a 0-1 deficit against the Czech Republic with two goals in the second half. Hwang In-Beom, a player for Dutch Feyenoord, contributed a goal and an assist in the 2-1 victory.
Mexico and South Korea lead group A with three points The return of Paraguay, pending Enciso: Julio Enciso trained with the group in the last session prior to this Friday’s duel against the United States, corresponding to the group B, and is expected to be available for the match. The question is whether he will start on the bench or as a starter.
“He has his heart set on wanting to be part of this because of the enthusiasm that he and all the players have,” explained his coach, the Argentine Gustavo Alfaro.
Paraguay is competing in a World Cup again 16 years after its elimination in the quarterfinals of South Africa 2010 against Spain (0-1). Share group B with the United States, Australia and Türkiye.
United States, faced with doubts: The Stars and Stripes team, Paraguay’s rival, will debut in Inglewood amid doubts about its recent performance.
The team led by Argentine Mauricio Pochettino lost three of their last four games prior to the World Cup: 1-2 against Germany, 2-5 against Belgium and 0-2 against Portugal.
The record, however, favors the United States, which won the three most recent matches against Paraguay, although always by a single goal difference.
Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina, eight games undefeated Toronto will be the scene this Friday of Canada’s debut against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The North American team, which is playing in its third World Cup, remains undefeated in its last eight games, with three wins and five draws.
Their rival is going through a similar streak and qualified through the play-offs, after eliminating Italy. The match will be directed by the Argentine referee Facundo Tello.
Cristiano and Bernardo Silva, heading to Palm Beach
After a last training session in Portugal, the Portuguese team will travel to the United States, specifically to Palm Beach. Cristiano Ronaldo will be the team’s main attraction, while Bernardo Silva monopolizes the attention of the transfer market.
The midfielder is emerging as a possible addition to Real Madrid, led by José Mourinho, after arousing interest from both Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona. The emergence of the white club would have modified his plans after announcing his departure from Manchester City.