Overview of The Athletic’s Totally at the World Cup
This episode recaps a busy Day 11 of the tournament, with the hosts focusing on another wave of shocks from underdog nations, a much-needed Spain bounce-back, Egypt’s first-ever World Cup win, and a frustrating stalemate for Belgium. The discussion also looks at why the expanded World Cup is producing so many surprise results, while previewing Monday’s fixtures featuring Argentina, France, Norway, and the superstar trio of Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland.
Biggest Talking Points
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Cape Verde keep making history
- The Blue Sharks followed up their famous draw with Spain by drawing 2-2 with Uruguay.
- The panel praised their organization, joy in attack, and the way they’ve become one of the tournament’s most compelling stories.
- They also discussed how Cape Verde’s progress reflects:
- smart use of the diaspora for player recruitment,
- long-term coaching stability under Bubista,
- and development help from outside investment, including FIFA-linked funding and Chinese support for infrastructure.
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Spain respond strongly
- After the opening draw with Cape Verde, Spain beat Saudi Arabia 4-0.
- The guests felt Spain looked more like the side expected before the tournament.
- Key adjustments included:
- Lamine Yamal starting and providing width,
- Pedri being used more centrally,
- Dani Olmo at No. 10,
- and a broader tactical shape that gave Spain more balance and attacking threat.
- Mikel Oyarzabal was singled out for a huge improvement, with two goals and an assist.
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Egypt claim a landmark win
- Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1, securing their first-ever World Cup victory.
- The second-half changes were highlighted as decisive, especially moving Zico into a more central role and shifting Marmoush wider.
- Mohamed Salah and the rest of Egypt’s attacking line were praised for turning the game around.
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Belgium frustrated by Iran
- Belgium and Iran played out a 0-0 draw.
- Iran impressed with defensive discipline and a standout performance from goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
- Belgium created plenty of chances but still couldn’t score, continuing a trend of wasteful finishing.
- The hosts noted Belgium’s unusual run of shots without goals and praised Iran’s spirit and message of dignity at full time.
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Japan continue to look dangerous
- Saturday’s Japan 4-0 Tunisia win was also discussed.
- Japan were described as one of the most entertaining teams in the tournament, with standout goals and excellent movement.
- Their group battle with the Netherlands was highlighted as a major one to watch.
Themes and Takeaways
Expanded World Cup, bigger surprises
- The hosts argued that the expanded tournament is producing more upset results and more “minnow” success stories.
- At the same time, they noted that some matches are showing a gap in quality, with:
- more headed goals,
- more goals from outside the box,
- and a higher-than-normal rate of overperformance on xG.
Goalkeeper heroics have been a tournament pattern
- Several underdog teams have been carried by standout keepers, especially:
- Voisinha for Cape Verde against Spain,
- Alireza Beiranvand for Iran against Belgium.
- The episode repeatedly returned to the idea that strong goalkeeping is helping smaller teams punch above their weight.
Stats and trivia sprinkled throughout
- Cape Verde’s foul count was a notable stat: they’ve conceded remarkably few fouls across two games.
- Duncan Alexander also referenced several historical World Cup stats and records, including:
- scoring records,
- long-running tournament comparisons,
- and older World Cup data limitations before 1966 due to missing footage.
Looking Ahead: Monday’s Matches
Group J
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Argentina vs Austria
- Argentina are expected to make it through comfortably, with Messi in top form and close to more World Cup records.
- Austria were framed as potentially awkward opposition, especially given their pressing style and Rangnick’s tactical reputation.
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Algeria vs Jordan
- A key game in the group, with Algeria needing to respond and questions over whether Riyad Mahrez will start.
Group I
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Norway vs Senegal
- One of the most intriguing games on the schedule.
- Norway’s attacking quality and Erling Haaland / Martin Ødegaard factor were contrasted with Senegal’s talent and need to respond after losing to France.
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France vs Iraq
- France are expected to rotate slightly after earlier tactical issues.
- The hosts noted France’s improving balance and the role of Didier Deschamps in tightening things up.
Notable Names Mentioned
- Spain: Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal
- Cape Verde: Bubista, Voisinha, players from the diaspora
- Egypt: Salah, Zico, Marmoush, Trezeguet
- Belgium/Iran: Kevin De Bruyne, Alireza Beiranvand
- Upcoming stars: Messi, Mbappé, Haaland, Ødegaard
Bottom Line
The episode captures a tournament that is becoming defined by underdog resistance, tactical adjustments, and a few superstar teams beginning to settle in. Cape Verde remain the feel-good story, Spain looked far sharper, Egypt finally broke through, and Belgium left more questions than answers. Meanwhile, the next round of fixtures promises more heavyweight action with Messi, Haaland, and Mbappé back in the spotlight.