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"Spotting Spies"—A Review of Underperforming Stars in This World Cup

As the World Cup enters the second round, M'hammed (Mbappé, Haaland, Messi) has performed supernaturally, Ronaldo has redeemed himself, but some dazzling names have disappointed. Today, Little Wealth God will take you through these underwhelming "spies":

1. Güler: Real Madrid's Genius, Zero Goals in the World Cup

If there is a player most disappointing in this World Cup, Turkey's Alda Güler is undoubtedly it.

This young genius from Real Madrid, worth billions, is regarded as "the hope of the new generation" by the entire country. Before the match, he declared bold ambitions of reaching the quarterfinals and the final. But what happened? In two group matches, he lost possession 39 times, took 11 shots with only 3 on target, and scored zero goals.

On June 19 against Paraguay, Turkey dominated possession at 79%, with 32 shots to Paraguay’s 7, crushing the opponent, yet they were snatched victory by Paraguay, 1-0, with 10 men. Güler sat on the sidelines, gazing up and sighing, then apologized tearfully afterward: "We all play for top clubs, this result shouldn’t have happened."

Former Turkish international Nihat Kahveci was more straightforward: "Güler shouldn’t be upset about criticism. He’s our treasure, but his performance was disappointing."

In two matches, Turkey’s team shot 62 times without scoring. Güler and İldiz combined for 23 shots, resulting in a cold statistic: 0 goals, two consecutive losses, and early elimination.

Golden Generation? No, this is the Plastic Generation.

2. Lukaku: Belgium’s "Happy Football," Smiling Until Crying

If Güler is "bad at shooting," then Lukaku is "bad at scoring."

This Belgian striker, who once dominated Serie A, led the team in shots in both group matches—9 shots, no goals, no assists. You read that right, nine shots, none scored.

Against Canada, Lukaku had a perfect one-on-one chance in the 34th minute. Facing the goalkeeper, he chose a soft, weak shot—easily saved. Belgium’s coach Tedesco’s expression said it all: he no longer knew how to use this player.

Even more heartbreaking, Lukaku’s xG (expected goals) was as high as 2.7, but he scored zero. That means he wasted nearly three goal opportunities. On this level of the World Cup, every chance can decide a team’s fate, and Lukaku threw them away one after another.

Belgium drew 1 and lost 1 in two matches, with their qualification prospects uncertain. And Lukaku? Still smiling after the game, high-fiving teammates as if nothing happened.

But the data doesn’t lie. When a forward has 9 shots in the World Cup and scores nothing, he doesn’t deserve to be in that position anymore.

3. Modrić and Rodrigo: Two Brains, Both Malfunctioning

Croatia’s Modrić, 39, once the core of the World Cup runner-up team. In this game, he ran little, often misplaced passes, looking completely out of form. When he was substituted in the 58th minute, he looked back at the field, expressionless, but with an indescribable look in his eyes.

Maybe he’s tired. Maybe he knows he’s old, unable to keep up with the young players.

Spain’s Rodrigo was equally disappointing. As the team’s brain, he should control the rhythm, but he kept making mistakes—poor passing, unstable ball control. Spain was held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in the first round, with 27 shots on goal, yet Rodrigo’s midfield management was to blame.

When two "greatest brains" malfunction simultaneously, even the most glamorous lineup becomes a scattered mess.

4. Raphinha and Leão: Brazil’s Wingers, Wings Clipped by North America

Raphinha lost possession in this game, missed several chances, causing Brazil to lose many advantages. He kept grinding, hoping to turn things around, but the more anxious he got, the more mistakes he made. When the final whistle blew, the score was a draw. He sat on the ground, arms around his head, not getting up for a long time.

Leão? Everyone had high hopes for him before the game, but he neither scored nor assisted, not even making a decent breakthrough. Every time he got the ball, he was tackled. He ran a lot but left nothing behind. After the match, he sat alone in a corner, head bowed, lost in thought.

Brazil was held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in the first round. These two highly anticipated attackers, one missing a goal, the other invisible, are to blame.

5. Torres and Yamal: Promising Stars, Hope Shattered

Young Yamal was considered the brightest new star before the tournament. In the first match, he indeed sprinted—dribbling into the penalty area, shooting once, hitting the post. But by the 70th minute, he was clearly tired, slowed down, breathing heavily, and was substituted.

Torres fared even worse. In the 75th minute, he had a one-on-one chance. Facing the goalkeeper, he shot immediately—ball blocked. He froze for a moment, then kicked the turf in disappointment.

Yamal is still young, with many opportunities ahead. But the World Cup waits for no one; missing it is missing it.

6. Griezmann: France’s "Invisible Man," So Hidden We Forget He’s on the Field

If anyone in this World Cup is the "quietest," it’s definitely France’s Griezmann.

In two group matches, Griezmann’s touches were the third least on the team, with zero key passes, zero shots, zero assists. His presence on the field is even less noticeable than France’s substitute goalkeeper.

Once the 2018 World Cup core and third-place Ballon d’Or finisher, now he looks like a lost traveler—unsure where to run, whom to pass to, or even why he’s on the pitch.

France’s two matches relied on Mbappé’s individual brilliance to earn 6 points, but what about Griezmann? He’s like an outdated coat—warm to wear but everyone knows it’s time to change.

When a player "disappears" in the World Cup to the point everyone forgets he exists, that’s the biggest failure.

7. Those Who Never Made It to the World Cup: Regret More Painful Than Disappointment

If the stars above are "there but not shining," then there are others who never even had a chance to shine—

Lewandowski, 37, Poland’s striker, eliminated in the playoff final by Sweden, tearfully announced his retirement from the national team. This might be his last World Cup, and he never even stepped onto the field.

Sobolói, Liverpool’s core, Hungary was eliminated in stoppage time at 94 minutes by Ireland. He knelt on the grass, letting the rain soak his jersey.

Osimhen, Napoli’s top scorer, Nigeria lost in a penalty shootout to Congo (DRC), and the image of him sitting alone at the center circle was shared thousands of times.

Aubameyang, 36, veteran, played all 90 minutes with his last energy, and when he took off the captain’s armband, it was a farewell.

Rodrigo, Militao, Gnabry, Simmonds… They didn’t even get to see the opening of the World Cup before succumbing to injuries.