Welcome to back/offome! This week, Louis Miguel Achegare re -achieved some of the most notable highlights from the international break. Until the heights of Jubilee in West Africa and L Al Alto in South America, the World Cup qualifier took the center stage as LME’s approach to Ohio’s encouragement in Columbus.
Reverse: Finally, a spark for USMNT
After 2-0 losses on Saturday South Korea In Harrison, New Jersey, with another dissatisfied performance, United States The men’s national team finally gave their fans a reason to believe in the Mauurisio Pochtino project, beating Japan 2-0 in Lower.com Field of Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday night.
Pchethino reacted to the loss of South Korea by tampering with the strategy and lineup (five changes from Saturday), so that his side could improve Hazim Moriyu’s Japan’s tight, high-fasting mentality, a team that I think would be great in the next summer. And so he went back to the playbook from his Southampton and Tottenham Days, when he often employed the formation of 3-4-3 (or 3-4–2-1) to play the role of contradictory against the teams enjoying the build-up play. The same thing happened on Tuesday night as USMNT attacked, attacked and exploited the available hole available due to its high-reprehens mentality.
It was the classic, old school pochtino, and it worked.
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Christian – Which was not part of the squad during summer, which was very criticized- was spectacular on Tuesday night, got so much freedom in possession because he recovered the ball continuously, made opportunities and received a assistance for Falorin Balogun. Club Amrika’s Alex Zendjas was also excellent, reducing a stunning performance with a beautiful goal.
I also feel that if there is any success in the future, it should be incorporated unevenly Chris richards Because I can’t make enough the importance of center-back crystal PalaceHe is important for everything of USMNT.
Now, the real result against Japan is neither here nor there – it was a friendly, finally, and the USMNT opponents rotated heavy after their draw with Mexico, which means significant start Liverpool‘S Wataru endo, Tekfusa Kubo From Real Sosidad Not played during others (brighton) Koru mitomaMonaco Takumi Minmino) Recorded only as an alternative. It was also not the “strongest” XI of USMNT, but let’s not focus on this point; Instead, let’s remember the big Tech Aaye. On Tuesday night in Columbus, they – and Pochtino – were able to see the personality of a harmonious, flexible and creative side and in my opinion, this was his best performance since taking over as Argentina.
However, I think it is not necessary to play every friendly playing on American earth that it is a good thing for this team as tough challenges will come in their way. Instead, I want them to test themselves more often in hostile environment against a valid World Cup contender.
Now, some have argued with me that in a nation with large -scale support Mexico And other nations, playing in the US from the point of view of USMNT, can already feel like playing in a distant environment. but it’s not like that. I am talking about a USMNT side, for fictional logic, a memorable stadium and facial travel ArgentinaOr test against North Africa chief and against themselves Morocco In Rabat. Heck: Forget the major teams. Go and play like a team Scotland Or IndonesiaIt doesn’t matter. Bindu is to face his home, his fans, their culture and their support.
CanadaFor example, exactly in the September window, JC Marsh’s men won 3–0 Romania And against 1-0 Wales In Swanasi. The result is quite honestly secondary for the lessons you can learn when you play in the foreign field, because it is how you learn how comfortable with uncomfortable and if you want to make history in the next summer World Cup, then you have to be ready for everything. Being a host nation will not save you.
UsmNT for the year is against the remaining matches Ecuador, Australia, Paragua And Uruguay – All good examiner for 2026, but they are Everything is happening In USA. After that, there are reports of sports in March against European veterans Belgium And Cristiano Ronaldo‘S PortugalBased on your own merit routes. These are all very strong opponents that get hot, but I think playing in such cosmic bubbles, always at home, does not help anyone, especially the United States’ national team. Being a host nation means that once the whistle is blown and the game stops.
But let me end with a positive because on Tuesday night, the USMNT of Pchethino played a tremendous game, hoping that there is an indication of continuous progress and final confidence that can build something special until around June.
OnSide: Unddogs rise in South America and Africa
Automatic places in South America for the next summer competition were already cement as Argentina, Ecuador, ColumbiaUruguay, Brazil And Paraguay had booked his tickets before the final match. So everyone’s eyes were focused Venezuela And BoliviaWho wanted to earn the seventh place, which would put them in the intercontinental playoff spot.
Venezuela was moving towards the upper hand in the evening, but a 6-3 defeat at the hands of Columbia meant that Bolivia had a chance to do something since 2009-win against Brazil, and Venezuela Leapfrog Venezuela in seventh place. 16 years ago, La Varde The height of relying as their municipal stadium in L Al Alto is 13,600 feet above sea level – 1,800 feet more than his previous stadium in La Paz. Bolivia used it for its full profit, not a single qualifier at home. In fact, in this campaign, he broke the World Cup qualifying record for most points earned with 20 points, and was against his unique victory away from home. Chile Last year, which was incredibly important.
Against Brazil, he won a 1-0 win for a suspected punishment decision-what is Conambol without a short drama, Eh? – But it should also be said that this has been a campaign in which the team of Escar Vilegas has played their hearts. Finally, Bolivia earned the playoff spots and is now close to the World Cup for the first time since 1994, which was also very funny by the United States. This will also be the second time in the history of Bolivia where they are actually eligible for the tournament: two of his other previous World Cups showed (1930 and 1950) were made through invitations.
Meanwhile, in Africa, Cape Varde – with a population equal to the city of Atlanta. – Won a historical game Cameron1-0, which means that Blue Shark has a lead with five digits at the top of their merit group. Another win from his last two matches and he will be going to his first World Cup. Following the final whistle, fans at Cape Varde exploded on the pitch, celebrating what an incredible conclusion for their campaign could be.
Now, it should be said that if you are a fond Chawla African football fan, it is not a complete surprise as this beautiful country, including 10 islands and many islets, which has done very well in recent years, including a quarterfinal appearance in 2023. Africa Cup of NationsBut let’s not reduce this achievement. When you are topping your group, a one that includes a powerhouse like a cameuron is a will for their work.
Offside: End Night is the end as the last chapters of the end Lionel Messi And Cristiano Ronaldo is going to be written
Last Thursday night at Buenos Aires, Lionel Messi played his last World Cup qualifier with Argentina. The 3–0 win-Nin won a brace from Messi for the Defending World Cup Champion at The Evening-Vennaguela, to score 36 out of 72 matches in Conmbol qualifying, leading to history books on the continent. Tuesday night, La albicalest Lose 1–0 against Ecuador, but regardless, it comfortably concluded their 2026 qualifying campaign at the top of the table.
Messi, who seals the campaign as a top scorer in the South American qualifier with eight goals, did not play in Guiakils as he returned to the US to get ready for Antar Miami’s final run. Of mls Playoffs, so it essentially means that Messi is career in the World Cup qualifier. His presence in the next summer tournament is also not a guarantee of this time.
“Looking at my age, the most logical thing is that it will not happen,” 38 -year -old star said last weekMost of the World Cup is also holding records for appearances. “I am excited, eager, but I am taking it day by day, matching the match … I am trying to feel good as I will take day by day, and above, to be honest by myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it. And if I am not good, I have a bad time and I will not stay there … I have not taken any decision about the World Cup.
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Meanwhile, in Europe, where UEFA qualifiers do not end until November, Cristiano Ronaldo also had a joyful international window. His couple against Armenia in Portugal’s 5–0 rout meant that his 38 goals in the World Cup qualifier left Messi behind and placed him behind just one from the record-holder, The Legendary Carlos Ruiz GuatemalaAgainst Tuesday HungaryHe fined Ruiz as Portugal won 3–2 against Hungary.
40 -year -old Ronaldo also extended his international scoring record to 141 goals in 223 matches. He will be 41 years old in February and its purpose – like Messi – is to play in a record sixth World Cup.
So will we see a “final dance” in the next summer? Will the curtain of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo be called on the international stage in the 2026 Men’s World Cup?
Even considering this seems real because after two decades of amazing success and jaw leaving memories, it is almost incredible that in the very near future, we will not see them playing again, whether it is for a club or country.
Years from now, the younger generation will ask us about their incredible rivalry. They will ask about the most notable, inspirational and breathtaking times in the history of sports when two superstars control the game in the palm of their hands and in turn, as we tell them all, we also smile and respond with ultimate, worrying satisfaction, “We were there.”
