Qatar 2022, Gazzetta dello Sport correspondent Luca Bianchin has named his favourite players after the first round of the group stage.
The first day of the group stage of the World Cup has gone into the archives. There was no shortage of surprises, above all the victories of Saudi Arabia and Japan against Argentina and Germany.
Many matches disappointed, the number of 0-0s was the highest ever on a first day of the World Cup, and the biggest change was probably the record recovery times. A change that could also have repercussions in the Serie A.
To talk about these and many other topics Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Luca Bianchin spoke directly from Qatar on the TvPlay broadcast on Twitch.
“Who surprised me the most? The new version of Griezmann is surprising. We’re mostly used to seeing him as a star, instead he’s doing a complicated obscure job. Really impressive. I was very impressed by Amrabat (Fiorentina), who holds Morocco completely in his hands and keeps all the work together on the flanks, where they rely heavily on having Hakimi. To say then that he impresses Brazil would be too easy. Pavlovic on the other hand was a disappointment, more ‘raw’ than I imagined. Very bad, but with the ball between his feet I would have expected much more from him. “
Qatar 2022, the top 11 of the first day of the World Cup
Speaking of World Cups, here’s OneMediaVideo’s Top 11 from the first day of Qatar 2022
Belgium’s Courtois is in goal: the victory over Canada bears his signature. In the four-man defence, from right to left, the picks are Preciado (Ecuador), Upamecano (France), Alderweireld (Belgium) and Jordi Alba (Spain).
In midfield, the quality of Ferran Torres (Spain), the phenomenal Bellingham (England) and Rabiot (France) who has confirmed what he is doing well with Juventus, where he appeared regenerated compared to past seasons.
In attack, it is inevitable to bet on the bombers, all authors of a double: Enner Valencia of Ecuador, Giroud of France and Richarlison of Brazil.