Switzerland's Victory and Ronaldinho's Return to Italy
Switzerland did more than just win. They planted a flag.
A 2-1 victory over Canada carried The Nati to the summit of Group B, a result that not only confirmed their authority but also pushed their opponents into second place on the night. It was the kind of group-stage performance that sends a message: organised, efficient, and ruthless when it mattered. Canada, competitive and spirited, simply could not match Switzerland’s precision in the decisive moments.
While the Swiss were sealing top spot, another nation took a giant stride toward the knockout rounds. Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Qatar 3-1, a scoreline that may prove decisive in the mathematics of qualification. With that margin and three points in the bag, Bosnia and Herzegovina are now strongly positioned to progress as one of the best third-placed teams. In tournaments like this, those spots are gold dust. They have put themselves right in the queue.
Mexico, meanwhile, are not waiting on anyone. Three games, three wins, and a 3-0 dismantling of the Czech Republic to close out the group. Clinical, confident, and in complete control, Mexico swept to the top of their section. Behind them, South Africa found just enough to change the script. A narrow 1-0 win over South Korea nudged them past their Asian rivals in the standings, a single goal rewriting the order of the group and keeping their campaign alive.
Germany and Ivory Coast eye the next step
Attention now turns to Thursday, when Germany, already safely through, chase a perfect group record against Ecuador. The equation is simple: three games, three wins, and a statement of their own heading into the Round of 16. With qualification secured, the test now is consistency, rhythm, and the kind of momentum that carries deep into a tournament.
Ivory Coast stand on a different but equally promising ledge. Second in Group E, the Elephants know exactly what they need: a draw against Curaçao on Thursday. One point, and their World Cup journey continues. It’s a strong position, but not a comfortable one. One slip, one mistake, and everything changes. For now, though, they hold the advantage and the confidence that comes with it.
France rotate, Mbappé keeps firing
France have already done the hard part. Les Bleus are through to the Round of 16 with a game to spare, and that gives them the luxury every coach wants at this stage: rotation. Against Norway on Friday, France are expected to make five changes, freshening legs and spreading minutes across the squad.
One thing, however, is set to stay the same. Kylian Mbappé should start again. Four goals in two games tell their own story. He is in full stride, and when a forward hits this kind of form, taking him out of the rhythm can be as risky as overplaying him. France will shuffle the deck, but they will keep their ace on the table.
Ronaldinho, Ravenna, and a twist no one saw coming
Then came the headline that felt like it belonged to another era. Ronaldinho, the Brazilian icon, has officially joined Italian third-division side Ravenna.
It is the kind of move that stops you mid-sentence. A magician of the 2000s, a global superstar, suddenly tied to a modest club fighting in the lower reaches of Italian football. A publicity stunt or the spark of a genuine comeback? That question will hang over Ravenna until he steps onto the pitch—or chooses not to.
What is certain is this: the 2022 World Cup winner is expected on August 21 for the team presentation. Cameras will be ready, fans will be waiting, and a small Italian club will find itself, for one night at least, at the centre of the football world.
