Brazil’s fiasco, Cristiano Ronaldo’s faltering farewell and Cape Verde’s shock, our 2026 World Cup verdict | OneFootball

Spain sealed a second world title by beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time. According to L'Équipe, the tournament’s verdict covers Brazil’s collapse, Cristiano Ronaldo’s farewell, Julian Nagelsmann’s setback, Johan Manzambi’s rise and Cape Verde’s shock.

Under Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil’s frailties lingered after a poor qualifying run. A 1-1 with Morocco preceded a laboured 2-1 over Japan, then Norway ousted them 2-1 as Erling Haaland struck twice, their earliest exit in 36 years, exposing a lack of a top number nine and a federation-scarred crisis.

Ronaldo, 41, struck twice against Uzbekistan and a penalty versus Croatia in the last 32. Spain beat Portugal 1-0 in the last 16, he had 19 touches, Roberto Martinez left soon after having played him almost throughout, and Ronaldo later confirmed this was his last World Cup.

Germany went out in the last 32 to Paraguay, 1-1 and 4-3 on penalties, under Julian Nagelsmann. Choices such as recalling Manuel Neuer over Oliver Baumann and using only a reluctant right-back in Joshua Kimmich, plus injuries to Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl, preceded his resignation.

Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi, 20, newly signed by Europa League winners Aston Villa, delivered three goals and two assists in four games before a knee contusion checked him, and the Nati then faded against Colombia and Argentina. Debutants Cape Verde were unbeaten in the group, the only team to hold Spain, and forced Argentina to extra time before a 3-2 loss, with 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha and Bubista’s drilled defence defining a landmark run.

Source: L'Équipe