I’m going to be honest, my brain feels a little bit like a child’s soccer ball. Deflated and battered. The games have been great (except for the poor and questionable referring/VAR), but FIFA seems more of a character in this world cup than ever before. I don’t like that. What if we created a new body that over saw world soccer, that was interested in hosting tournaments and ensuring their are rules and good governance. Is that too much to ask for? Is it too naive to believe our world could allow something like that to exist? Probably, but it seems like it is a worthwhile dream to have.
This round, we are learning the median age of each country.
Today’s Games
France 2 (42.7) v. Morocco 0 (30.9)
What is there to say. France is really freaking good. Their two best players, Mbappe and Dembele both scored. Their defense never looked to stressed. They are steamrolling this competition. They seem unstoppable.
Morocco is a good team, but this is now two world cups in a row that they lose at the hands of France. They want to counter and they want to attack quickly, but France is too fast and too good. France’s play is spectacular to watch. They can do anything and they do everything. At times, they would back off and let Morocco build up play only to steal the ball and counter quickly. Other times, they would slowly push their lines and force Morocco to keep going backwards. They were like a boa-constrictor suffocating their prey. Then other times, when they would lose the ball, they would immediately pressure to win the ball. It is also not just the fact that they do all of this, it is that they do this as a team and seemingly as one mind. Good luck to the rest of the tournament.
Also, Mbappe seems special beyond the field. I am not going to include links, but if you are not aware the short version is: France beat Paraguay, a Paraguayan Senator said vile and racist things, Mbappe responded appropriately and maturely, the same Paraguayan Senator has doubled, tripled, and quadrupled down with equally and worse vile and racist things, Mbappe has not engaged any further. Racism and soccer is like bird and shit, when you see one you know the other is nearby and sometimes it lands directly on you. Black players have dealt with racism the entire time soccer has existed (so surprising). Black players deal with racism on a regular basis. It seems worthwhile to highlight the grace someone like Mbappe deals with such vile racism.
Tomorrow’s Games
3 pm – Spain v. Belgium
I wish I did not have to type Belgium again. But I do. The problem is that we do not really have a strong idea of who they are. They first four games of this tournament they looked old (because they are). The last game they put in their young talent and looked much better. However, they also played children that apparently had never played soccer before, so it is hard to take to much from that. If they play the same team that was there for the last game, they might be able to surprise.
Spain is the clear favorite. The issue with this game (for the viewers) is that the Spanish play an unexciting style. The dominate the ball, they move the ball with purpose but often without too much urgency. They are methodical. They create great chances, but not at a voracious clip. I think they win, but only by 1. Probably 1-0 or 2-1.
Here is my bracket for this round.
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