Article by Alexandru Stanciu – Published Friday, June 12, 2026 9:05 p.m. / Updated Friday, June 12, 2026 9:29 p.m.
Former Romanian internationals Dan Alexa (46 years old) and Gabi Tamaș (42 years old) were present in the Antena 1 studio and analyzed the first two matches played at the 2026 World Cup, Mexico – South Africa 2-0 and South Korea – Czech Republic 2-1.
Gabi Tamaș also chose her favorite for this final tournament: Portugal. The reason cited was admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, who was at the last World Championship in his career. In fact, Tamaș had previously mentioned that he would like this edition to be won by a national team that has never won a World Championship before.
Gabi Tamaș chose her favorite at the World Championship
“I expected more from South Africa. I saw a team with 'pedigree' in Africa. Mexico was the better team, set the pace. Knockouts aside, they controlled the game. A fair 2-0, a deserved win.
Then, South Korea against the Czech Republic. I knew the Korean team, I know how much they have progressed. The two favorites took their points and somehow it's a normal evolution of the results”, said Dan Alexa on Antena 1.
Later, the floor was taken by Gabi Tamaș: “Dan, I think, said everything. I was at home and I was talking to my wife, she asked me who was going to win and I said Mexico. The surprise was in the Czech Republic, I thought they would win. Look, there are surprises in football and they will remain, which made me happy. I hope that this World Cup will be a surprise, that a team that has never won before will win.
We, as fans, want a show, we want goals. Football is a spectacle, it's pleasing to the eye when you score a lot of goals. That's what I like to see too. And when I was a footballer I really wanted to see a show if I was watching a match”.
Asked who he supports in this final tournament, Gabi Tamaș pointed out: “Portugal. For Ronaldo”.
