Kylian Mbappé in Captain America mode
The French team is qualified for the 2026 World Cup. France won against Ukraine 4-0. A two-sided match. A very complicated first half, too static. Then a second period unlocked thanks to a penalty transformed by Kylian Mbappé. Speaking of Mbappé, it was “ Captain America » like the placard The Team. The Parisian had the same idea to talk about the Blues striker. It is “Captain America” Also. With his 400 goals, he is earlier than Lionel Messi. A double and an assist despite a very complex first part of the match. Deschamps’ men follow the guide » and take down America. The Real Madrid striker also reacted to his 400 career goals: “ there are two players, one at 950, one at over 900, 400 doesn’t impress. If you want to shock people, you’ll have to add at least 400 more. I’m very happy, it’s a symbolic passage, but I still have to do. 1000 goals? It’s unreal. CR7 shows us that it’s possible, let’s try the unreal “.
Portugal panics
There is a big panic in Portugal. After the sad 2-0 defeat against Ireland, the Correio da Manha worries. “ Rescheduled World Cup ticket », Posts the Portuguese media. This performance compromises the country’s direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The evening was even more nightmarish with the expulsion of Cristiano Ronaldo. An elbow in the area, synonymous with a red card. O Jogo talks about “ red signal », and explains that this is the ninth direct expulsion of Cristiano Ronaldo’s career, but the first in the national team. THE Corriere dello Sport title : ” Ronaldo loses the match twice “. A painful observation, but factual. A.S. returns to CR7’s behavior when he saw red. “ Cristiano left and during this time the opposing fans gestured to him, he applauded and did not forget to indicate that he had endured provocations the whole match », Explains the Spanish media. A defeat which forces Portugal to win on Sunday against Armenia, the bottom of the group. He will have to do it without Cristiano. Handicapped by the absences of Nuno Mendes, Pedro Neto and Bruno Fernandes, the Seleção dominated without ever being dangerous, while Ireland showed cold realism. Long balls constantly challenged the Portuguese defense, and Roberto Martínez found no solution despite ineffective changes. Totally overwhelmed, Portugal could even have conceded a third goal. The last hope will be played out on Sunday against Armenia, bottom of the group, but without Cristiano Ronaldo.
Rashford does not confirm
With Thomas Tuchel, it’s 007, in James Bond mode, as the English sign a seventh consecutive success in qualifying for the World Cup under the orders of the German coach. The team maintains its perfect run, while Jude Bellingham was placed on the bench from the start, sidelined by Tuchel. The coach keeps Morgan Rogers at number 10. The Madrilenian ends up entering on the hour mark, receives the loudest welcome in the stadium and immediately changes the rhythm of the match. His impact restored the team’s intensity and led to several chances, including Eze’s superb goal at the end of the game. Bellingham therefore succeeded in his comeback. THE Daily Mail is also amazed by the performance of the national team. Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze scored. For his part, Marcus Rashford benefited from an ideal opportunity to convince Thomas Tuchel for the World Cup, but he failed to meet expectations. Established on the left, he increased his efforts without any real impact. He missed several clear actions and displayed an unusual technical waste. He appeared behind and was replaced after 64 minutes, a symbol of an insufficient performance. At 28, he had to prove that he can become indispensable again, but Tuchel is still waiting for him to finally transform his potential into certainties. In a competitive offensive sector, its place in the plane for 2026 remains far from assured.
