A full sight of every team, but still so much unseen

The Independent’s football newsletter   [The Independent]( [SUBSCRIBE]( November 25, 2022 [View in browser](   [The Independent]( [The Independent]( A full sight of every team, but still so much unseen A panoramic view, but one that doesn't necessarily mean the world The best until last? This newsletter conveniently drops on the morning after we have completed a look at all 32 teams, and there are clear stand-outs. The only debate is over what order you would put them in. [Spain absolutely dazzled](against dismal opposition in Costa Rica. [Brazil showed impressive conviction]( against very awkward opposition in Serbia. England were somewhere between the two, [with Portugal not far off](. The most important element for all of these sides is that, in an abrupt start to this World Cup, they haven't suffered the surprises other big nations have and that could well become a characteristic of Qatar. At the same time, no less a figure than [Gareth Southgate was keen to point out]( that Japan wasn't that much of a shock. They have announced themselves as dark horses, a suitably good Asian team for this Asian World Cup. On that, Qatar has rightfully had more criticism for its handling of the tournament so far but it's also had considerable benefits. The country will now forever have the positive association with moments like Saudi Arabia's win over Argentina, Japan's victory over Germany, Dani Olmo's finish and Richarlison's moment of genius. It is always necessary to remember that. [As regards the football, the greater wonder is how much of these results will be worth remembering by the end](. For all that it's impossible not to read into these results, the competition's history is filled with sides who have flattered to deceive or grown into the campaign. England expect more entertainment [Gareth Southgate is set to persevere with three at the back](for the match against USA but there's a new confidence about England that this isn't the constrained formation that has characterised most of the manager's last few years. The staff and players believe they have now got a greater fluidity within the approach that allows them to easily switch depending on the opposition, and that it can be much more attacking as and when required. Jude Bellingham is seen as crucial to that, for that attacking impetus. Spain take it as red [Spain dazzled, but not just in terms of their play.]( There was also the rare all-red kit, a combination they last wore in the disastrous 2014 World Cup. This started very differently, though, and it’s because Luis Enrique is very different. The manager is so meticulous and invested, that he has involved himself in every aspect of the team - right down to what they were. It was Luis Enrique’s choice to wear all red, as he thinks it can make the team look more imposing. Cold feet for hot streak The race to be top scorer already has involved quite a spread of players, and it’s for something that is kept like a spread. The golden boot itself is kept in a fridge when being presented around. Eyes of world elsewhere but Premier League still lights up As if this World Cup didn't have enough going on, Tuesday must go down as one of the busiest days in modern football history. The shock of Saudi Arabia's victory over Argentina was followed by Manchester United releasing Cristiano Ronaldo by mutual agreement and then, the biggest of all, the Glazers confirmed they are open to selling the club. It should first of all be stated - for the avoidance of any doubt - [that Ronaldo's interview had absolutely no influence on the owners' stance](. They are entirely separate. That's because, while both of these stories were sensations, they weren't really surprises. The Independent reported in August that most of football believed United were for sale, and this was not denied by the club. Many in such circles believe that what was actually influential as regards the announcement was Liverpool's decision to put themselves on the market, as the two clubs are now competing for buyers. [Ronaldo no longer needs a new buyer but a big question is who is going to sign him](. Chelsea's hierarchy retain some interest but Graham Potter's view is the same as most of football: he isn't the player he was. This was still the situation everyone expected after that interview. United were pushed into a corner, although [it is understood Ronaldo will not get a pay-off](. As regards Liverpool's recruitment, they may have to take a different approach. That isn't because of any doubt about direction, but that Julian Ward wants to take a break.   Top stories Cristiano Ronaldo makes World Cup history but Portugal’s next generation leads the way]( [Richarlison and Brazil arrive to sprinkle their stardust on World Cup](   Enjoying this newsletter? Unlock unlimited, ad-free reading on the website and in The Independent app when you subscribe – plus, benefit from our [welcome offer when you join today](.   Miguel's Dispatches Every team playing at least one game hasn’t just given us a chance to get a feel of the tournament. It’s also given us a chance to get a feel for the country. While it can understandably seem like it’s easy to criticise Qatar, that is connected to why this was tournament had so many issues in the first place. The blunt truth is that it’s difficult to think of a more unsuited venue for an international tournament. That is because there are so few public spaces. World Cups are about people congregating, a great celebration of humanity. Even beyond the more serious issues of migrant worker abuse and LGBTQ+ groups refusing to come, there is little of that in Qatar. The only place is really the Souk, or maybe the Corniche. There are then how few fans have come, as can be seen with so many empty seats. It is only Latin American supporters that have travelled in numbers, although not as much as usual, as well as those from Saudi Arabia. The sound from the latter for the win over Argentina was remarkable, and one of the moments of the tournaments so far in terms of atmosphere. The idea that this is the most “convenient ever World Cup” has also been oversold, since traffic and various logistical issues don’t exactly make it swift to get around. The metro is admittedly smooth and superb but only serves certain corners. The Al Janoub Stadium for France-Australia involved buses doing round-trips to bring supporters to the station, creating huge backlogs. There’s then the gratuitous use of air conditioning, even in temperatures below 28 degrees. And all of these are of course just the everyday problems.     QUOTE OF THE WEEK “It wasn’t about making a political statement – human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important to us. Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position.” The German federation, the DfB, as the controversy about the OneLove Armband rumbles on.   Reading the game quiz Reading the game quiz Remarkably, only five players have come off the bench to score for England in a World Cup match. Name them, and the games. ([You can find out the answers here](. The answer page will be updated weekly and contains answers from previous newsletters, too)   INDYBEST /BEST SPORTS BUY]( Adidas World Cup Al Rihla football boots inspired by official ball – here’s where to buy them [Click here for more details and our review](   Essential reading [England feared red card and ‘unlimited liability’ for wearing OneLove armband at World Cup](   [Everything wrong with the Qatar World Cup](   OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE [Sports Brief] Sports Brief Every Monday, 6pm (UK time) Written by Ben Burrows [Join now]( [Fantasy Football] Fantasy Football Every Thursday, 6pm (UK time) Written by Mark Critchley [Join now]( If you can spare a minute we’d love your [feedback]( on our newsletters. [The Independent]( Join the conversation or follow us [Facebook]( [Twitter]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's football newsletter. Add us to your safe list of senders. 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