Identical to that, we’ve witnessed 72 matches of the 2026 World Cup.
Concern not, there may be nonetheless lots to go – nonetheless it does really feel like that realisation chances are you’ll get halfway by means of a vacation that home-time is just not too far-off.
It’s been enjoyable, although, proper? Many thought the group stage could be a little bit of a drag given the variety of groups and the way there have been many perceived mismatches, but it has been something however that.
From the blockbuster names dwelling as much as the hype to unknown portions turning into family names in a single day, let’s take a look again on the group stage and hand out our awards.
GOAL OF THE GROUP STAGE
Wilson Isidor, Haiti vs Morocco
The British eyes may need been transfixed on Scotland’s horror present in opposition to Brazil so, should you missed it, go and dig this one out.
The Sunderland man with a piledriver, which has been a theme of the match.
Wilson Isidor’s earns our objective of the group stage with a piledriver from outdoors the field
The Haiti ahead discovered the highest nook of the Morocco web from outdoors the penalty space
BEST ASSIST
Nathan Saliba, Canada vs Switzerland
Might or might not have made this award simply to say this pretty little bit of talent from Saliba (because the commentators appear to be obliged to inform us each single time he will get the ball, he’s no relation to William).
The contact after which ball to Promise David is silky.
STAR PLAYER
Lionel Messi
Profitable in Qatar in 2022 capped off a stellar profession that cemented his place, in my eyes, as the best of all time.
Doing it once more 4 years later at 39 is arguably simply as a lot of an achievement. He makes Argentina severe candidates once more.
Lionel Messi remains to be producing magic at 39 and scored six targets through the group stage
WORST PLAYER
It appears harsh to single out anybody participant however a number of the particular person errors from Scotland had been a disaster.
The win in opposition to Haiti was memorable, the 2 losses had been excusable however they might have had a lot extra if not for foolish mess-ups.
BEST TEAM
France
They confirmed some defensive frailties in opposition to Senegal within the opening recreation. However general the prospect of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and a number of other others all being on the pitch on the similar time is horrifying.
France have proven some defensive fragility however their attacking expertise is horrifying
Tunisia sacked their supervisor after a 5-1 defeat, solely to again that up with 4-0 and 3-1 losses
WORST TEAM
Tunisia
Thanks for coming, lads. So dangerous they sacked Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 loss within the opening recreation, then backed it up with 4-0 and 3-1 losses. Nonetheless, new supervisor Herve Renard will need to have bought pay day?
SURPRISE PACKAGE
I used to be pleasantly stunned by Colombia. They need to have overwhelmed Portugal and have scored some pretty targets within the different video games. Hosts Mexico have been higher than I anticipated, too.
BIGGEST UNDERACHIEVERS
Uruguay have been horrible and simply pip Turkey to this one after the latter’s win within the third recreation.
Marcelo Bielsa has some gifted gamers at his disposal however the two-time winners provided nothing.
Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay underwhelmed regardless of having numerous gifted gamers
Cape Verde have produced the underdog story up to now, with their goalkeeper Vozinha a central participant
Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi, 20, has scored risen to prominence with 4 targets within the group stage
UNDERDOG STORY
Cape Verde getting a draw in opposition to Spain will reside lengthy within the reminiscence and so will their general marketing campaign, particularly goalkeeper Vozinha. He’s on 17 million Instagram followers because it stands. It’ll be humorous to examine again in a 12 months to see what number of have unfollowed however his story has been a pleasure to look at.
BREAKOUT PLAYER
I needed to frantically study the back-story of Johan Manzambi once I was masking Switzerland’s win over Bosnia final week. He was a goalkeeper, funnily sufficient.
The Freiburg midfielder got here off the bench to attain a brace, then backed it up with one other within the subsequent recreation. And he’s solely 20.
