The Instigator

what you see - arcane peculiarities/mirror on the wall🪞, random vibes🕺🏾, bettooor⚽️, degen🎰

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

The Portugal - Croatia fixture is one that excites me.

Extrapolating from Croatia's game against England in the group stage of this World Cup, it's crystal clear that they're not afraid to express themselves against the favourites.

European football will be served. Nuno Mendes, Bruno Fernandes and Rafa Leão should feast.

I will be there.

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

Another team that might suffer the same fate as Senegal is England.

They're a group of gentlemen. No mischief. Just passion for the game.

Someday, many football fans will understand why some of us rate Arteta highly.

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

I hope Osimhen never listens to those who want him to be less aggressive and domineering on the pitch. A night like this just showed that gung ho and pride are necessary ingredients for greatness, especially when the odds are against you.

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

David Hundeyin was right about African teams suffering from inferiority complex when they face teams from other parts of the world. This world cup has exposed something deep. Psychology is the engine of human interactions.

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

Noni Madueke has done well so far. But Saka is more of a goal threat.

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

Bukayo Saka and Ivan Toney will bail England out if called upon.

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

English players need to understand the stake at hand. This is a side with the most balanced midfield in the World Cup, but no ruthlessness in the attack.

They may survive DR Congo, but Tuchel has some problems to solve, going forward.

Shout out to the DR Congo goalie.

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

England is playing the best football of the tournament as I expected.

This is premium premier league swagger.

I love the Three Lions.

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

I know Croatia will try a low block against England. But England has everything needed to dismantle them.

The three lions will roar!

I'm going to enjoy this show.

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

I'm not nerdy in the way I see football, but I genuinely think I can make a difference at the top level of football right now, given the chance.

Eye test is basic, but works, all the time. A good coach should know how to read and react to the game.

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

Supporters of Ronaldo and Portugal could use some superstitious relief. Remember how Argentina's 1st group game ended in the last world cup? That didn't stop them from lifting the cup. 💡

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

Bruno wasn't in fact neutralised. Mendes was. Bruno seemed to be following instructions. Football fans call him 'el bomba' for a reason. But today he wasn't even trying. Martinez needs to unshackle Bruno.

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

The fate of Ronaldo (winning the world cup) rests on the shoulders of Nuno Mendes and Bruno Fernandes. Neutralise them, you have a great chance of containing Portugal.
Note: Be mindful of Dalot. His positioning is only second to Ronaldo's.

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

A poor performance from Portugal. However, this could be the wake-up call they needed.

Now the team has realised that they don't have solutions to a team that sets up to defend.

I have no doubt that Portugal will do well against the big boys. However, lots of work to do.

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

Conceição has always been impactful when coming from the bench. But that doesn't mean he can't start games and make an impact.

Starting Silva over him is a choice, in 2026. Smh.

Martinez needs to put his thinking cap on. I'm not impressed.

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

No corner for Portugal in the 1st half. Not a surprise. Portugal for some reasons best known them aren't interested in crossing the ball into the box. Funnily, that's basically how they got their goal. They're keeping the ball unnecessarily. Ronaldo looked isolated in attack.

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

DR Congo found a way to do it in the 1st half. Can they do it when Silva is out and a proper winger steps in to test Masuako?

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

DR Congo needs to go all-out in attack against Portugal in the 1st half.

Finding a way to keep Cancelo and Mendes occupied will be the game-changer in the 1st half.

2nd half will be a different ballgame, as Portugal will likely have their way, with recourse to their bench.

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

Rooting for Portugal.

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

DR Congo needs to go all-out in attack against Portugal in the 1st half.

Finding a way to keep Cancelo and Mendes occupied will be the game-changer in the 1st half.

2nd half will be a different ballgame, as Portugal will likely have their way, with recourse to their bench.

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

Iran's coach looked more crestfallen than his players after the final whistle. His physiognomy and body language suggested that this was a must-win game for him.

If he's not privy to some serious info regarding their inability to win, then he should focus on the next game.

[The Instigator @InstigatorHQ]

I'm having fun predicting games in this world cup.

When club football returns, I will do things that will seem extraterrestrial.

Watch this space.💡