What to do about a number 9 at the World Cup?

The most intriguing tactical storyline in this World Cup is up front

Cody Gakpo of the Netherlands celebrates scoring the opening goal during the World Cup, group A soccer match between Senegal and Netherlands at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Monday, Nov. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

For all the talk of formation changes and decisive substitutions, the most intriguing tactical storyline from a side’s World Cup campaign is very simple.

It’s when a manager has a regular formation and a relatively settled starting XI but there’s one huge question mark – the identity of the centre-forward.