While South Africa ride high on Bafana Bafana’s historic- and barely believable- World Cup qualification, I have opted to look across the pond, focusing on some of the teams making headline news in European World Cup qualifying.
European heavyweights England and Portugal were both in action last night, looking to secure their participation in next year’s global footballing showpiece. The two sides- powered by iconic striking performances- enjoyed contrasting fortunes, with Thomas Tuchel sealing the deal for England while Roberto Martinez will be made to wait till November to secure qualification.
Life after Southgate
I don’t want to sound too negative on Gareth Southgate’s reign as England manager. The pragmatic Southgate did return a feel-good factor to the English national side, propelling them to a World Cup semifinal and two European Championship runner-up finishes. But everything he did had a distinct PG-13 feel to it. He never trusted the glorious talent at his disposal, often retreating into defensive stasis in defining moments.
Thomas Tuchel appears to have unlocked the shackles, putting the Gareth Southgate shills to shame with an expansive, high-octane playing style that makes use of the talent at England’s disposal. In stark contrast to Southgate’s frustrating favouritism, Tuchel hasn’t been shy in excluding marquee names such as Foden and Bellingham. The likes of Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers have really been allowed to thrive in his more merit-based selection policy. Everybody presses in Tuchel’s system, which makes a lovely departure from simply watching Conor Gallagher running around like a deranged madman.
Another Kane masterclass
The Three Lions dominated last night, winning 5-0 at Latvia to become the first European side to secure qualification for next year’s World Cup. Harry Kane was once again instrumental, rifling in a emphatic left-footed stroke before adding a 2nd from the spot. Those goals marked the 75th and 76th goals he has scored for this country, meaning he now sits just one goal behind the iconic Pele in the all-time international scoring charts. The prolific English marksman has been a revelation for Bayern Munich this season, producing a goal or and assist every 39 mins! Combining international and club football, Kane has scored 21 goals this season. It’s barely halfway through October.
Portugal left frustrated despite CR7 exploits
Portugal stand on the brink of World Cup qualification after a somewhat frustrating 2-2 draw with an obstinate Hungarian side. The result leaves them top of Group F with 10 points, five clear of Hungary. While qualification should be a mere formality from this point on, Portuguese coach Roberto Martinez will feel slightly aggravated that he must wait till November to start finalizing hotel accommodation, etc.
Ronaldo creates another record
As he has been for nearly two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo was an indomitable presence, scoring from close range in the 22nd minute before adding a 2nd in first-half stoppage time. The Al Nassar striker increased his international goalscoring record to an eye-watering 143 goals. He also created an extra little bit of history for himself in the process, surpassing Guatemalan legend Carlos Ruiz as the player with most goals in World Cup qualifying.
Players with most goals in World Cup qualifying
Cristiano Ronaldo (Por)- 41
Carlos Ruiz (Gua) – 39
Lionel Messi (Arg) – 36
Ali Daei (Ira)- 35
Robert Lewandowski (Pol)- 33
Ronaldo was substituted in the 78th minute as Martinez looked to shut up shop. His defensive mindset proved costly, as Liverpool midfield colossus Dominic Szoboszlai scored a stoppage time equalizer to put the champagne on ice.
Ronaldo and the future
Brilliant as Ronaldo was, I still wonder about Portugal’s chances at a major tournament with him as their focal point. These nicely spaced qualifiers are all well and good. But how is his body going to handle the cut and thrust of a congested tournament schedule (remember how he capitulated at the 2022 World Cup in Doha). I personally think it’s time for Portugal to move away from his cult of personality and pass the baton to the likes of Goncalo Ramos, Geovany Quenda and Fabio Silva.
