Neymar, Brazil start campaign as favorites

Nothing embodies Thanksgiving like watching the World Cup but that’s where we are at with this fall edition. With Turkey Day tomorrow, we expect a feast of football with tournament faves Brazil in action against Serbia, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal taking on Ghana, and Uruguay squaring up against South Korea in a matchup for dark horse teams.

But Wednesday’s results proved to be a worthy appetizer to Thursday’s cornucopia. Japan surprised Germany, while Canada were unlucky against Belgium. And perhaps inspired by the full slate of upcoming NFL action, Spain scored a proverbial touchdown over Costa Rica in a 7-0 thrashing.

Be sure to check in with ESPN throughout the tournament as we bring you the latest from Qatar. Here’s what you may have missed from Wednesday’s World Cup happenings.

– World Cup news, features, previews, and more
– Stream FC Daily and Futbol Americas on ESPN+

Neymar nears Pele’s mark but Brazil on high alert

We saw Argentina lose to Saudi Arabia in a monumental upset on Tuesday, and earlier Wednesday four-time World Cup winners Germany went down against Japan. Will Brazil, the overall favorite to lift the trophy in Qatar, suffer a similar fate against Serbia on Thursday?

Anything can happen but Brazil coach Tite has put his side on notice to not take anything for granted at this stage, telling reporters that “every team is proud and wants to do its best in a World Cup.” That especially rings true for his squad, looking to win an unprecedented sixth title and their first one in 20 years.

“I can’t take the responsibility of the last 20 years, only four,” he said. “We have a great country, passionate about football, and this also serves as a tool for education. We not only have pressure, but we take advantage of it, because dreaming is part of life.”

When Brazil take the field, they’ll arguably have the deepest and most balanced squad of any at the tournament, with playmakers at all positions. Alisson is one of the best goalkeepers in the business, and there are few centre-backs with the speed and quality of Marquinhos, partnered either with the class and experience of Thiago Silva or the speed of Eder Militao.

Their attacking options is almost unfair. Lucas Paqueta, Richarlison, Raphinha and Vinicius Junior allow Brazil to score in plenty of different ways.

And as for Neymar? The lofty expectations for him in a Brazilian jersey have always seem unfair but that will change if he does two things: win the World Cup, and score three more goals to break Pele’s record of 77 for most by a Brazilian men’s national team player. No pressure.

Portugal welcome an actual match amid Ronaldo circus

“I don’t understand your persistence on this subject because there is nothing.” That was what Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva told a swarm of reporters on Wednesday about the roiling drama surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s club situation.

To recap, Ronaldo bashed Man United in a very public way, which has led to some awkward moments with his teammates, and ultimately him and the club decided to go their separate ways. All this ahead while Portugal prepares for Thursday’s game against Ghana — no to mention the fact that the owners of Manchester United are eyeing a potential sale of the club.

But to counter Silva’s beleaguered response, there is something to this subject. It is Ronaldo after all, eyeing a final shot to win the one major trophy not his cabinet, and now a free agent to sign with any club he wants.

Sources have told ESPN that Ronaldo — who did not speak with reporters — is set to start against Ghana on Thursday, but that Portugal coach Fernando Santos is already thinking about dropping him for their second game against Uruguay. Santos still believes Ronaldo is Portugal’s best player “in the box,” but given that he’s expecting more of the Uruguay game to be played between the two penalty areas, so he’s considering other options.

So whether Ronaldo’s limited role is more tactical or an attempt to take the media glare of the team, we shall see. Regardless, there is likely relief in Portugal’s camp just to get the ball rolling.

Gab Marcotti feels Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Manchester United with immediate effect will allow both the player and the club to move on.

England vs. USA: Projections, oddmakers’ picks, updates

While Black Friday activities in the U.S. are centered on standing outside an appliance store at 2 a.m. to buy a new television or washing machine, this year you can add England vs. USA to your to-do activities.

With the US squad drawing against Wales two days back what are their odds of advancing out of their group? Is their match against England on Friday a must-win? If they don’t, what can they must they do against Iran in the last group match? We break down all the scenarios and betting prospects here.

As for how the team is feeling after that tough 1-1 result against Wales, US midfielder Brenden Aaronson‘s description of the vibe in the locker room likely reflected the broader feeling from the fan base.

“Disappointed,” he said. “Everybody was pretty disappointed.”

All in all, expect some likely changes in the lineup against England. Aaronson could be starting against for Weston McKennie in the midfield, and there be more switches in up front and in the defense. Read up on the latest from what we are hearing from the US camp.

And as for England, they are feeling a sigh of relief as star striker Harry Kane should be go to despite an ankle injury scare, sources have told ESPN. The 29-year-old underwent a scan which is believed to have been more precautionary than in response to a deterioration in his condition after he was substituted with 14 minutes remaining of Monday’s 6-2 win over Iran.

Sam Borden reports from Qatar as UMNT stars Yunus Musah and Cameron Carter-Vickers are eager to show England what they’re missing.

The best bits from today

After fractured skull, Raul Jimenez’s road back to Mexico squad has been remarkable
Two years have passed since his serious head injury, and while Raul be key if Mexico make a World Cup run, his return in itself is a joy.

Spain thrash Costa Rica, start World Cup campaign in style as Gavi makes history
Spain delivered a masterclass against Costa Rica in their World Cup opener, proving Luis Enrique’s side can make a deep run for the trophy.

Courtois denies superior Canada side and secures undeserved Belgium win
Belgium played poorly against Canada, with Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne invisible. But it didn’t matter thanks to their goalkeeper.

Your best bets (odds via Caesars Sportsbook)

If you’re looking to bet on the World Cup, ESPN contributors Paul Carr, Dan Thomas and Dalen Cuff are here to give you key tips on odds, options and futures.

Here’s what we have for the Thursday matches.

Group G

Switzerland (-135) vs. Cameroon (+420), Draw (+240)

Dalen Cuff: Switzerland is coming off an impressive run to the quarterfinals in last summer’s Euros which included taking out France in the Round of 16. Essentially that same squad is back now who topped their group in qualifying ahead of Italy. I still have questions about their ability to score, but know their defense and approach at the back is so solid, only allowing two goals in eight qualifying matches. I like the Swiss to keep a clean sheet +100.

Paul Carr: I like both teams to get a goal in this one (+120), with each team stronger in the midfield and attack than at the back. It’s always possible one team or the other gets conservative and locks things down defensively, but that’s not Cameroon’s style. Cameroon-born striker Breel Embolo could do the scoring honors for Switzerland, while Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Toko Ekambi will find a way to get Cameroon on the board.

Daniel Thomas: I think this is going to be a low scoring affair. I’d take the under 1.5 goals (+200).

Brazil (-225) vs. Serbia (+625), Draw (+330)

Cuff: I like Serbia’s team, so this isn’t a play about their futility more so Brazil’s dominance. When people think of Brazil, they think flair, offense, O Jogo Bonito… they have that in spades but defensively they are so solid. Only allowing five goals in all of South American qualifying and possessing arguably the best keeper in the world in Alisson. I like Brazil to win 2-0 (+145).

Carr: Brazil seems certain to score here, with nine (!) quality forwards on the roster and an average of 2.4 goals per game in qualifying. Serbia’s defense is solid and also gave up at least one goal in 11 of 14 qualifiers and Nations League games over the past two years. So I think we get goals here, one way or the other, and I like over 2.5 goals (-135), even with Aleksandar Mitrovic a matchday decision because of injury.

Thomas: Here we go then the favorites to win it all. Brazil have been so much fun to watch of late and hopefully they can bring that quality into this tournament. Let’s hope for lots of goals. I’m taking over 3.5 (+185).

Group H

Uruguay (-130) vs. South Korea (+400), Draw (+240)

Cuff: Son Heung-Min may be more valuable to his South Korean team than any player in the tournament. Coming off that facial fracture, he has trained with a face mask on it seems he will play. Son’s form remains a question while Uruguay has a great mix of veterans that have had success in this tournament and young blood now invigorating the group. I like Uruguay to win the group +185 and start strong in their opener. Uruguay to win (-135).

Carr: Dalen basically stole my entire spiel here, as I also had Uruguay to win this group pre-tournament. Uruguay just has so much talent at every position, and an ideal blend of youth and experience. South Korea is better than you probably think, and Napoli‘s Kim Min-Jae will always give the defense a chance. But that Uruguay midfield pair of Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur should be the difference in an Uruguay win (-135).

Thomas: I love Valverde and the odds for him to score anytime at +450 looks generous to say the least.

Portugal (-270) vs. Ghana (+850), Draw (+340)

Cuff: I think Portugal is better without Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting XI. Couple that with his exit from Manchester United, has led to an icy and uncomfortable dynamic within the squad which was visible when Ronaldo showed up to Portugal’s camp. Manager Fernando Santos won’t sit him. Meanwhile, Ghana has some old heads that know what it’s like to get out of the group still on this roster. I like the Black Stars to get a result, my play is the Double Chance (win or draw) +200.

Thomas: Ronaldo anytime scorer +120. It has to be him.

News and notes

What else caught our eye

Not only did Japan get the upset over Germany but their fans also continued a wonderful postmatch tradition that has now been practiced at several major tournaments.

After their shocking win against Germany, Japan fans stayed after the match to clean up the stadium.

Respect ❤️👏 @ESPNFC pic.twitter.com/ocDtsyXXXB

— ESPN (@espn) November 23, 2022

And to close out, you have probably seen Saudi Arabia’s game-winning stunner over Argentina by now on every highlight reel and across all angles. But, have you seen it re-enacted with a bunch of Legos?