FIFA World Cup 2026: From Ghana to Cape Verde, how minnows are frustrating football’s attacking powers
Where Ghana’s phalanx wouldn’t admit England’s hyped attackers the pleasure of even a single breach. Where Cape Verde’s unyielding wall withstood a Spanish hurricane, and matched Uruguay in footballing nous. Where Congo held Portugal, Belgium was run aground by Iran, Curacao gave no joy to Ecuador, and there was nothing to choose between dark horses Japan and one of the tournament’s favourites, the Netherlands.