Iconic

Australia - Egypt 1 - 1 (2 - 4 pen.)

Didn't watch this game (couldn't, really), but I thought Egypt was gonna win easily in 90 minutes. I discounted the Aussies pretty hard, but they did come to this World Cup to play. Beating Turkey is remarkable, and yaking Egypt to penalties makes for an honorable World Cup exit for them. See you in 4 years, Oz!

Argentina - Cape Verde 3-2

The most anticipated game of the round of 32 did not disappoint. Of course, we were all rooting for Cape Verde, but the big upset ws not to be. It is annoying when glory is all you take from a game of football, but this is what the tiny nation of Cape Verde will have to contend with.

Still, beyond the Hollywood drama and in pure footballing terms, they are faultless. Pushing the world champions to extra time and levelling them twice is not for everyone, and it's certainly more than just capitulating, which is what teams playing Argentina so far have done.

Messi's first goal was divine. The run, the stop, the shot, everything was perfection. Compare to an attempted Lautaro Martinez stop in a similar position in the second half. It pains me to praise Messi, but I really don't have a choice. I'm actually wondering how many great moments like these I've missed for being a Messi hater for the past 17 years? 

Vozinha is definetly one of this World Cup's heroes, but he could do nothing for the first goal. He did a lot in the game anyway, includign blocking Messi one a few occasions, shots that most keepers would have let in. It's amazing that he's out of contract, but this tournament surely must've won him another year or two on a good contract somewhere in Europe, even if as a back-up goalkeeper. And that would be fully deserved!

I have criticised Cape Verde before for relying too much on individual executions and not playing like a team enough. They did a lot better in this regard last night, but my God, it will be the individual executions that stand out.

The first equaliser is a shot along the face of goal, through Lucha Martinez's legs and stretching Emi Martinez all of his length to no avail. Lukaku and Ronaldo scored similar in this tournament, and that's good company to be in. It bothers me somewhat that it was a United defender who let in the shot, but Lucha Martinez made up for it by scoring Argentina's second, 2 minutes into extra time. And that should've done it, really. Alright Cape Verde, you pushed the World Champions into extra time, 2-1 is an honourable scoreline, let life take its natural course.

Well, Sidny Cabral thought differently. What a brilliant execution for Cape Verde's second equalizer! The kind that only works one time in a hundred, and it would certainly be a contender for goal of the tournament if it wasn't of course for Messi's first goal.

In the end Argentina did win, good, decent goal from a corner with Messi curling the cross in, and a fought out header that neither the defenders nor the keeper could do much about. If I was more into conspiracy theories, I'd say it worked out almost too neatly for the film.

Argentina through, to Cape Verde be the glory, and if Argentina wins the tournament it would be only the second time in history when a team has won it back to back. Plus, Italy in '34 and '38... maybe we shouldn't talk about that. Although word is that the team was good too.

Colombia - Ghana 1-0

In all honesty, I was hopeful, but I expected Argentina to beat Cape Verde, with a thrashing not being completely out of the equation. But Colombia - Ghana is where it's at, and it is what the World Cup is about: two exciting, evenly match teams, battling it out for glory and for the chance to take on one of the giants.

I found it hard to call, but I was leaning slightly towards Colombia. Colmbia have the experience and the football tradition on their side, while Ghana are one of the new footballing powers of the world, have the 2010 elimination at the hand of Uruguay to revenge and get over, and an enormous amount of worldwide sympathy which I don't fully understand (something about the black star?).

In the end, it was an ok game, but fairly anticlimactic for the expectations, and especially when compared to the earlier one. Incredibly one sided, I barely remember Ghana attacking at all, and the keeper is their most proeminent figure in the game. Colombia's goal came early, 14 minutes in, and the Africans had more than 70 minutes to do something about it, but they never seemed willing. Which is probably a sign they were never able. 

Insult to injury, Jhon Arias was completely unbothered when he scored from inside the box, for some reason Yikenikyi completed switches off.

I thought Luis's Diaz goal was phenomenal, the speed and the precision with which Bayern's striker hits the ball is outwordly, but he was clearly off-side and the ref did good to cancel the goal. Shame though.

And then... this was it. Colombia goes through and Ghana has nothing to say about it. I'm sorry for Carlos Queiros, there is a lot of love for him within the United fandom and last night's performance does not speak well for him.

This Colombian team looks a lot less glamorous than others (including the 1994 one with Asprilla, Valencia and Rincon), but a lot more solid and mature. And this is the type of team that brought them the best result - QF in Brazil in 2014. This will probably be equalled this time round - if they beat Switzerland they'll face Argentina in the quarters. I'm rooting for them, I really enjoyed their games so far, especially the 0-0 draw with Portugal. And they have something else on their side. 

Alright, with the round of 32 now over, time for another prediction round? I got 5/12 groups right, which is... ok, I suppose? For the rfound of 16 I'm going with:

Morocco to beat Canada

France to beat Paraguay

Brazil to beat Norway

Mexico to beat England

Spain to beat Portugal

USA to beat Belgium

Argentina to beat Egypt

Colombia to beat Switzerland

Which would result in France v Spain and Brazil v Argentina in the semis. Yep, it's a deja vu, France v Argentina in the final.

Late drama

England - Congo DR 2 - 1

Clearly one for the underdog, it wasn't even my anti-English sentiment that made me happy about Congo taking the lead. They had a couple more chances before half time, and it didn't really look like England was gonna trouble them.

But, of course, pressure intensified somewhat in the second half. A few saves from Mpasi, but it felt like Congo can still fob England off. Well, they couldn't. As soon as the first Harry Kane goal went in, it became a case of Congo needing to hold on until the end. England is not really a team to amp up the pressure, but they did so on this occasion. It was mostly driven by Harry Kane, and it feels right that it was him again who scored the winning goal, 5 minutes from time.

Also, because I saw some debate on the internet: was there a penalty on Mpasi stopping Harry Kane? Easy one. Clearly not. It doesn't matter in the end, but it would have become a national injustice had England gone out. And... it was a correct decision not to award a penalty.

Heartbreak for Congo, who had a great tournament, and they played really well against England, but it is massively important to know how to deal with advantage against a better team. It worked for Paraguay against Germany, it didn't work for Congo. Easy for me to say, but not much more to do now, but wait for the next time.

Belgium - Senegal 3 - 2

Speaking of game management, it did look like Senegal took a sheet out of that book. Cruising comfortably against Belgium, 2-0 at half time and being the more attacking team. Flirting very closely with 3-0 on a couple of occasions in the second half. Them all of a sudden...

BAM BAM! Super-gol from Lukaku, and a keeper goal to draw it level. 86' and 89', 2-2. Lukaku's goal can be forgiven, it's a brilliant execution from Belgium's best player this tournament. It is baffling to me that Lukaku doesn't start for Belgium, he carried them almost single-handedly so far and he'd be in the league with Haaland, Ronaldo or Harry Kane is they'd make place for him in the starting line-up.

The second goal was very much a keeper mistake, coming out but missing the ball, thus leaving Tielemans to send it into the open net. It will be very much a case of FMM Prunea in Senegal in the coming years. But yeah, 5 minutes slip-up and all the good work done in the first 80 minutes of the game stands for nowt.

Belgium did not deserve to go into extra time, but sometimes they squeezed through, and the rest is history. Penalty in the 120+5 minute, and the latest goal ever at a World Cup sends Senegal home. Was it a penalty? Well... kind of. It wasn't given on field, and VAR said it's worth another look. There was contact, the defender touches Tielemans' foot, but by that time the ball has gone. Reason enough for a penalty, but, had it not been a foul, that would have been a ball of no consequence. And, it being the 120th minute of a World Cup knock-out game, I feel more consideration should be given to the idea that the game should be decided by the action on the pitch rather than by official decisions. 

With all the evidence considered, I would not have given a penalty. But the ref did, and Tielemans made it 3-2 with virtually no time for Senegal to do anything about it. More than heartbreak, Senegal will feel hard done by, and not without reason if you ask me. Plus, it further enforces the narrative of FIFA having an agenda against African countries. Not a stretch to believe this to be true.

USA - Bosnia 2-0

This being the late game, like all late games, I've struggled with. So seen very little of it, and only scattered bits, and now I wonder if it isn't by design that we only get big drama for the prime time games. But 2-0 USA, with the second goal scored while haivng played in 10 for 20 minutes, does not say a flattering story about Bosnia. They slogged through the group and capsized in front of half-decent opposition. Not a great story for a team that left Italy home.

Spain - Austria 3-0 

Once again, a game without much of a story. Spain dominating beginning to end with Austria never looking like they stand a change of progressing. Comfortable win for a Spanish team that hasn't yet been properly tested. They will now face Portugal, who is at the opposite end of the spectrum, having been put through the grinder a few times already. That will be am amazing game. 

Portugal - Croatia 2-1

What a game! I have said before the torunament, Portugal are my favourites, and I genuinely believed they can win it. I'm a lot less sure now, but they have delivered some of the best games in the tournament so far, and this one was certainly the most dramatic.

I had lost count of the amount of goals cancelled, and it decided by a VAR call once again in the dying moments. Perisic opened the scoring, only for Ronaldo to have two goals cancelled for offside on either side of the penalty he levelled from. Penalty that, once again, was not given on field, but came from a VAR review.

Then Portugal scores from a cross in the 90'+4' minute. Uncontested by technology, for once. Deep into injury time, Croatia scores again, which is a bit of a house specialty. Then VAR called it off. Debate about offside, and apparently IT WAS offside, but only decided by the sensor inside the ball, explained by FIFA and based on data that is not publicly available.

Talk about hard done-by. To be fair, had the goal had stood, game would have gone to penalties, and that's as much a lottery, as this VAR malarkey. Only that's more out in the open.

But I feel for Croatia, I really do. People slagging them off as a past-it team, all of the 'Modric's last stand' bullshit that's been going on for more than 5 years now, and yet they really did pull some performances! I thought they're past it myself after the England game, but it turns out that was the outlier. If I was to be conspirational I could even say that was a write-ff, knowing they only need 4 points from games against Panama and Ghana. They are tough motherfuckers, always fearsome as an opponent, and they are right to feel done-by. The match with Portugal was pretty even, either of the team could have won it, despite the very different styles of play. It was Portugal on this one occasion, but Croatia will be back. The idea that they're going home while Belgium, for instance, is still in the torunament - pretty hard to digest.

Switzerland  - Algeria 2-0

Another late game, another failed attempt to watch it, though the result was a bit of a given from the off. Algeria only qualified because they had Jordan in their group, one of the weakest teams of the torunament, and because they held Austria to that crazy 3-3 draw that I didn't see. But they couldn't have hoped for much more, even if Switzerland is probably one of the easier draws they could've had. The buck will stop here for Switzerland too, they are to play either Columbia (most likely) or Ghana, and wither of those is favourite ahead of them. 

Round of 32 will be completed today with Egypt beating Australia, Colombia and Ghana offering us a very entertaining and evenly matched game and... how amazing would be if Cape Verde goes through? Vozinha vs Messi is the ultimate David v Goliath fight, and I know who I'll be rooting for.

Anyone for tennis?

Ivory Coast - Norway 1-2

This is a match I really wanted to see. Ivory Coast it can be opportunistic, solid and mature in a game, taking advantage of the snatched last-minute win against Ecuador to qualify without emotions despite losing to Germany. And that loss was not a match written off, they had the lead over Germany for quite a bit, and were only defeated by an injury time goal.

Norway, on the other side, are as scary as a Viking raid, and definitely one of the sensations of this World Cup. It must've been a great clash but, with tickets to Wimbledon in the inbox, watching the football was always gonna be a tall order. Wavrinka - Berettini was also a great game, but in regards to Ivory Coast - Norway, I'll have to settle for watching an empty scoreline and regret not having seen what was presumably a great goal from Amad.

France - Sweden 3-0

Ramenez

One of the more unbalanced games of the round of 32, though the impression is, pretty much all the games France will play in will be unbalanced. I did watch the second half on my phone in a taxi, but with 2-0 at half time, it promised little excitement. Saw a great goal by Mbappe (another one), and the Frenchman together with Messi have now left Mirko Klose's record of most goals scored at World Cups in the dust. Klose took 4 tournaments to get to 16, Messi is now on 19, with Mbappe closely trailing at 18, and having time on his side.

France is playing really well, Deschams has done a great job getting them to play like a team, with a chemistry that is almost club-level and certainly unmatched at this World Cup so far. They look more and more like favourites to win it, and yet Paraguay will still put them through the grinder. Try and hold Mbappe, though Mbappe is unholdable.

Mexico - Ecuador 2-0

It annoyed me that the game was postponed by an hour, I was getting ready to see it. But an extra hour after a long day - couldn't make it.

Mexico were slight favourites, lest we forget Ecuador beat Germany, but the victory was fairly categorical. And the Mexicans are creating the aura of invincibility at the Azteca which will serve them well. They have england next, so definetly a chance to move one more round.

Right-o, off to watch another host - USA. Which I think will go past Bosnia, only just.

Schaisse!

Brazil - Japan 2-1

Now this looks more like a World Cup, doesn't it?

It was expected fro Brazil - Japan to be a good game, and it was. Of course, Celecao were slight favourites, but everyone knew it's not a clear cut game. Japan scoring 5 minutes before half time and going in with an advantage only enforced that. I was travelling in the beginning of the second half and only saw highlights, but Brazil's attacks in the beginning of the second half looked furious. So again, no wonder they scored. Casemiro. I'm glad for him, and he'll always be a part of our folklore now, but you have to feel for Japan. Case was knocking on the door a few minutes before, and his perfectly placed headers are merciless.

Still, Japan were at least equal to Brazil all the way to the end. Martinelli's 95th minute goal was very fortuituos, but even after, the Japanese were pushing towards the Brazilian goal and they ended the game on the front foot.

One of those games in which no team deserves to lose, but it had to be one. I have to say, I have greatly enjoyed watching this Japonese team, perhaps even more so than Brazil, and would've loved to see them play at least one more game, but the draw was unlucky. Japan go home, but they've done themselves proud!

Germany - Paraguay 1-1 (3-4 pen.)

Now, this was a bit unexpected. Understatement of the century. After having just squished through a group from 3rd with 4 points, the expectation was that Germany would have a field day. We have, however, learned, as far back as the days of Chilavert, that if there's one thing Paraguayans do well, it's defending.

Even so, their goal was magnificently well constructed, with the German defense nowhere to be found, not in the pass to the covering winger, not to mark Enciso who got a free header from the middle of the box. Again, 1-0 at half time for the underdog, and the Germans came out blazing in the second half. They did score, weird goal but they all count.

As for the cancelled goal in the extra time: always a foul! The keeper was impeded to follow the ball, and was on the ground as Tah was getting ready to pounce. Do not touch the keeper in the 6y box, I tought this much is clear.

Orlando Gill, Paraguayan hero

And then, the more the Germans attacked as the game was getting close to penalties, the more the Paraguayan keeper's confidence grew. Bit of a bad idea if you ask me.

First penalty shoot-out of the tournament, and what an eventful one it was! Germany missing the first, Paraguay blowing to chances to win, only for the first round of 5 to end 3-3. But then Tah, sends one high over the bar, and Paraguay closes it, sending Germany packing.

Great underdog story, and Paraguay did not really deserve it, but my God did they defend solid! France is up next for them, and it took 114 minutes of play and a great strike from Laurent Blanc back in 1998 to beat them, but things might be different this time around. Against Mbappe, there's no defence.

Netherlands - Morocco 1-1 (2-3 pen.)

Morocoo eliminating Netherlands, if I'm honest, I don't even know if it's that much of a surprise. Again, 2 am game with a lot on my mind and a lot on my plate, try as I might I fell asleep throughout. Woke up in time to see the Moroccan goal, such a well hit header!

But Morocco is such a solid team, it's ridiculous. They have Canada on Saturday, and they should be brushing the hosts aside easily.

Done with groups

Panama - England 0-2

Croatia - Ghana 2-1

Colombia - Portugal 0-0

Congo - Uzbekistan 3-1

Jordan - Argentina 1-3

Algeria - Austria 3-3

This is it, the last 3 groups have been settled on a fairly uneventful Saturday. England has won their group, in a blatant disregard of my prediction. I have to say, after the Croatia game I thought the streets were fairly well behaved. The Ghana game was a damp squid, but already after the Panama game vandalism on the London Underground began to seep in.

If they must beat Congo, I hope it will be a squeaky bum, penalty after 0-0 affair, and I believe England can get past either Mexico or Ecuador, but they will lose to Netherlands in the quarters.

I'm glad to see Croatia came into their senses, they finish the group second and will play Portugal. I feel like Portugal will edge it, even if only because of the extra intensity.

Speaking of, Portugal - Colombia was a highly entertaining game, I'd venture to say it's the most entertaining 0-0 I remember maybe since the Champions League final in 2006, Arsenal - Barcelona. I didn't see Congo - Uzbekistan, when Uzbekistan scored first I thought we might be in for a more interesting end to this group, but the natural order was soon restored, and Congo goes forward as a well placed 3rd.

Argentina dared start without Messi, and he still scored! I thought this would be the more interesting games, but Jordan did not present serious opposition to Argentina, even without Messi. Algeria - Austria went a bit off the rails with a 3-3 draw, but how was I to know?

Canada - South Africa 0-1

The first of the knock-out games was a damp squid affair, exactly as I expected it to be. As it was slowly crawling towards the end of the 90, I prayed that one team scores so that we don't have to witness another half an hour of it. Canada did, pretty much at the death, so it saved us the pain. 

Also, only game of the day, felt a bit like a day off. Brazil - Japan (about to start) will be much more interesting of an affair.

Messi, Haaland, Mbappe (Mhm)

Senegal - Iraq 5-0

Norway - France 1-4

Uruguay - Spain 0-1

Cape Verde - Saudi Arabia 0-0

New Zealand - Belgium 1-5

Egypt - Iran 1-1

The day when Messi, Mbappe and Haaland all play is less exciting when they play each other isn't it?

Well, Haaland didn't even play. And I lowkey despise resting your best player to go as further as possible in the tournamentat the expense of the 3 points. It's basically an admission from manager Solbakken that he didn't care if they lose against France, which is akin to cheating. Not honouring the game, in any way, and the game have a tendency to punish you when you do that. So I'm now hoping Ivory Coat to beat Norway in the knockout round.

It did promise to be a very good game, Norway - France and, well, it wasn't. Treating it like a friendly certainly didn't help. Because of a chatter fella who kept me at the theatre much longer than I should have, I only saw the second half, and by then it was 3-1, and the game as good as done. Even so, a substantially weaker Norway side almost managed to pull back from 2 down against France,m or it would have if Larsen would have scored from the spot early in the second half. 3-2 with a whole half to play would've been interesting. But that was such a piss-poor, half-arsed excuse of a penalty kick that certainly doesn't justify the overinflated ticket prices the amazing Norwegian supporters paid for tickets.

France's 4-1 goal was good, but inconsequential. Them scoring 10 in the first 3 games is a much clear indication of intent, and I'm kind of ready to call France to go into the last 4.

The other game of the group, I was hoping it wouldn't, but it was a rout. Highest scoring victory from an African team ever at a World Cup, a nice peculiar little stat. Iraq would've maybe deserved better, but beyond pure football qualities, this tournament will be remembered as one marred by Islamophobia, and I fully support the Iranian captain complaining about how they've been treated in the world's only fundamentalist Christian autocracy.

In Group H, I thought - funnily enough - that Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia would be the more interesting game. Even funnier - I was right, it was the more interesting game, though not by much. Either Cape Verde or Saudi Arabia would have qualified with a win, assuming of course, Spain would beat Uruguay. Yet I'm not sure either team played for a win. More understandably for Cape Verde than Saudi Arabia, though the West Africans were the more attacking team. They deserved to win I thought, though I'm sure they'll take qualification no matter how. Saudi Arabia is a team with a long World Cup tradition, with some notable results, such as beating Germany in 1994, and have one of the strongest domestic leagues in Asia. They really should be doing better. Cape Verde is probably the biggest fairy tale at this World Cup so far. I think they lack a lot of maturity, they play like a collection of individuals rather than a team, they can't pass to save their life, and it's only so much you can rely on Vozinha. But somehow, through sheer power of will and a super-disciplined defense, they managed to get to the knock-out stages, which is a massive over-achievement. They will play Argentina, which I'm afraid will be a brutal awakening to reality, like a hammer to the face. Or, who knows, the dream might not yet be over. I know of another team who played Argentina from an underdog position in the first knock-out stage in 1994, and that worked out well.

Spain - Uruguay was a Spain win, as everyone predicted, btu it was hard to know just how drab it was gonna be as a game. Even the one goal was a weak shot that was fumbled by Muslera. He was such a legend in his prime, reaching the semi-final in 2010 and challenging for the World Cup, and now this? In the immortal words of Jamie Carragher, you have to leave football before football leaves you, and I feel like for Muslera that ship has sailed.

The whole Uruguayan team covered themselves in shameat this World Cup, unable to score against Saudi Arabia or to beat Cape Verde, and just quietly surrendering in the last chance game against Spain. I'm disappointed in Bielsa too, whose praises everyone kept singing for a while there, and I never quite understood why. Suarez and Forlan would've played better than these guys. Shame. Obviously I have sympathies for Pellistri and... yeah, even Ugarte, and Araujo looks like a decent player, so maybe the fault does lie with Bielsa?

And again, barely made it to the end of the Cape Verde game, so the 4 am was out of the question. I would've watched Egypt-Iran, and I'm surprised Egypt didn't win. Belgium are the most undeserving group winners, and annoyingly, they might even squeeze past South Korea in the knock-outs. Egypt not winning also means Iran qualifies to the detriment of Scotland. And I am sorry for Scotland, they made a good name for themselves in America, but you can't JUST beat Haiti 1-0 and hope that's enough to qualify you. They can hope that Algeria loses by two to Austria, mmm, ok, doable, but then also Croatia needs to lose to Ghana by 3. Fat chance.

Escucha me!

Ecuador - Germany 2-1

Curacao - Ivory Coast 0-2

Tunisia - Netherlands 1-3

Japan - Sweden 1-1

Turkey - USA 3-2

Paraguay - Australia 0-0

I did try and watch Curacao - Ivory Coast, hoping, but expecting a miracle. Once Ivory Coast when 2-0 up, I abandoned hope and, especially with Ecuador - Germany tied on 1 at half time, I switched to that

Plata o plombo

game. Much more exciting indeed. Germany felt a bit toohless, though it's also true that they'd won the group regardless. Ecuador did really well not to be afraid, first of all, then pushing for the goal. It was spectacular, yet bizzare. A keeper like Neuer would not let an attacker hit the ball from in front of him like than in a million attempts. This was the milionth and one, probably, and well done to Plata for snatching it. He played well throughout, I'd be surprised if we don't see him in Europe next season.

Of course, in the last 20 minutes or so Ecuador had to withstand a bit of heavy attacking, but they didn't lose their cool, stayed disciplined and somehow managed to see it through. This is a historical result for them, and I reiterate they were really unlucky to lose to Ivory Coast with that late goal. Then again, how come they didn't beat Curacao? All in all, qualification for them from the 3rd spot and they'll probably get England. Hard, but doable. TBH, Croatia would be a more difficult game.

Apparently I got this group right, but at the end of it I gained a lot more sympathy for Ecuador and Curacao who, despite finishing 4th, leave the tournament with a goal and a point, which is a really good account of themselves. Come back stronger, Curacao!

Group F went as expected. I did expect Japan to beat Sweden though, and they were the better team, though they played maybe a bit too prudent. It was a spectacular game, and Sweden's attack, with Gyokeres, Isak and Elanga is truly scary. But to this, Japan opposed imepccable discipline and relentless energy. Only two goals, but both spectacular, and again, it makes me wonder why United let Elanga go so easily, he's an insanely good attacker. Didn't watch any of the Netherlands game, but with a goal after two minutes and 2-0 in the first 10 minutes, there wasn't much history to it. Netherlands feel like a one-trick pony, with goals coming from low crosses in front of goal, and if Morocco manages to block those, they'd struggle. But Netherlands - Morocco promises to be a really good game, as does Brazil - Japan. Brazil are certainly favourites, but they should not take victory for granted. I was really impressed with Japan so far.

And then group D, I didn't stay awake to watch much of Tukey - USA, but I did wake up in the 85th minute at 2-2. I appreciated how positive the game was, and Turkey managing to score in the very last minute, 90+7, but to what end? Where was this fighting spirit so far? They might well be the only team in 4th place with 3 points, while watching Australia and Paraguay qualify after what I imagine was a drab 0-0. Certainly one of the disappointments of the tournament Turkey, I saw then as group winners, but can you blame me?

Looking forward to Norway - France tonight, a case of unstoppable force hitting the unmovable object, Senegal - Iraq will be hard fougt, but Senegal will get it, I'll be rooting for Cape Verde, they can totally beat Saudi Arabia and qualify from second place, which will be amazing. Even a draw might be enough, as Spain will beat Uruguay.

And I'll probably not stay awake for group G at 4 am, but Egypt and Belgium will go through.

Czeched out

Switzerland - Canada 2-1

Bosnia - Qatar 3-1

Morocco - Haiti 4-2

Scotland - Brazil 0-3

Czechia - Mexico 0-3

South Africa - South Korea 0-1

I watched bits of every game, I think there must more people who are trying to figure out how this 6 games in a day malarkey works.

We've had 4 in a day in the previous world cups, but with two hours breaks one could have watched some games on catch up, and some would not matter. But 6 games does feel excessive, and it also feel like we should start being selective. Because otherwise, don't get me wrong, I've always been a fan of an expanded World Cup format. I'd make it 200 teams if it was me, but obviously you do need to fit all of the games in a month, and can't go much higher tham 8-9 games in a month for the winning team. It's 7 at the moment.

How many points, Patrick?

Let's take the groups in alphabetical order then: Group A brings the biggest disappointment and the biggest surprise. I'm happy for Mexico to have won all 3 of their games, and they'll be formidable opponent for whoever they'll play in the knockouts. As it stands it looks like it's Scotland, which would be ironic, but Scotland keeps falling down in the 3rd placed teams league. However, massively disappointed with Czechia. To have only won one point from this group is a crime. I thought they'd win it. Not sure what happened, they have some great players, and are certainly a better team than South Africa, but sometimes it's not enough. Sometimes you have to get down and dirty, and the case might be that the Czechs thought that being favourites is enough. Well, it's not.

South Africa beating South Korea is a massive surprise. I was really impressed with South Korea when they beat Czech Republic, and the game against Mexico, even though lost, was a hard fought one that could've easily gone their way. South Africa, on the other side, had a really poor showing in the first game, then stole a point from Czechia. Them beating South Korea is a mix of lcuk, and the Koreans maybe taking the foot off the pedal a little bit.

Group B was pretty clear, and that's because Qatar was useless. Baffling they managed to get a point, really, and from Switzerland nonetheless. Switzerland is the strongest team in the group and have done well to win it. Canada played ok, and they get South Africa in the knock-outs, so they might go one more, but they're a mediocre team really. They only finished second becasue Bosnia was disappointing. But because of Qatar, even they had 3 points in the bag, and the draw against Canada will be enough to see them through.

And Group C... oh, Scotland! Of course Brazil was always gonna be a tough game, but you can't let them walk all over you! Vini's goals were opportunistic rather than well constructed, but Scotaldn played with fear, attacking very little and having a pretty permeable defense. With 2-0 at half time, nothing spectacular was gonna happen, and I'm only sorry I didn't watch Morocco - Haiti, 2-2 at the end of the first half. I switched at half time, and Morocco took full control of it.

In terms of early predictions, I only got one out of three right so far, but no matter. It's a good World Cup, bar the organisation. Looking forward to Japan - Sweden now. Money's on Japan.

Good morning Ronaldo!

Portugal - Uzbekistan 5-0

England - Ghana 0-0

Panama - Croatia 0-1

Columbia - DR Congo 1-0

Ronaldo is awake. Two goals in a half, a brilliant shot 5 minutes in, and the second half was all about him getting the hattrick. Which he didn't, but him showing joy at Rafael Leao's goal is a solid sign of maturity. He also let someone else hit a free kick... honestly, he's growing.

Ronaldo now has 8 goals at World Cup finals, half of Messi's. It would be quite a turn if he'd close in, but I don't quite see it.

I am sorry for Uzbekistan, I doubt they'll get anything from the Congo game, but their game was better than the numbers are saying. And I'm sorry for Cannavaro, how frustrated he must be watching teams rip through his defending! Oh well... Congo will go hard after the 3 points, so they can qualify along with Colombia and Portugal.

Columbia - Congo was a pretty even game, but also pretty boring. I guess both of them knew victory secures second place. Potentially first in Colombia's case, but that is a red line I think Ronaldo will not stand for.

England - Ghana was also pretty dull, a reality check Alan Shearer dubbed it, but I think this is it. This is England, as they say. They've done well to beat Croatia so decisively, and Panama is easy prey, but England don't look on par with Germany or France.

I'm a bit disappointed with Croatia too. They did get the 3 points from Panama, but onlyu after a dull 1-0. Croatia - Ghana is gonna be a tough game, certainly a more interesting watch than England - Panama.

6 games from today on, but one can only watch 3. And the step down from 4 to 3 already feels like the World Cup starts fading. But not yet. Not yet. Not all the stories have been written yet, good memes are still to come. 

Games to watch today: Switzerland - Canada, Bosnia will beat Qatar; I'll be cheering for Scotland against Brazil, and Czechia - Mexico, with the Czechs fighting for survival.

A day without football

Argentina - Austria 2-0

France - Iraq 3-0

Norway - Senegal 3-2

Jordan - Algeria 1-2

Yesterday was almost a non-World Cup day. Life took over and, as much as I wanted to see the games, I couldn't quite make it work. 

Caught the last bit of Argentina - Austria, in time to see Messi's second goal. I was hoping it would be a more interesting game, but 2-0 tells a story of Argentinian domination and Austria showing their limits. The big story is, of course, Messi's brace which takes him to 5 for the tournament and 18 in all WC tournaments, beating Klose's record by 2, and there'll be a few more to come, for sure.

Reading some of the United groups only confirms that the way things are going, the Messi v Ronaldo debate will be over with this tournament. I'm still hopeful Portugal can win it, but the setup of the teams, and the roles Messi and Ronaldo play in their respective teams kind of makes that redundant.

I did watch the first half of France - Iraq, another Mbappe bomb, Kylian is goign strong and probably wants to avenge the final he lost unfairly 4 years ago. And to be honest, if it's not Portugal, I'd rather it be France. So far, Argentina, France and Germany stood out, but still too early to call the winner.

At the half time of the France game, it was all systems fail for me. As well as for Lincoln Fields in Philadelphia, I hear second half was postponed by more than an hour. I was in dreamland by then, and I have to confess, it's pretty good getting a good night's sleep.

That's not to say I don't regret not watching Norway - Senegal, it was bound to be a good game, and it sound like it was, 5 goals and small margins. Senegal were really unlucky and in any other group they'd have more than 0 points after two games. They can still qualify with a high scoring win against Iraq which will make me sorry about Iraq, but it is all for the cause of the underdogs.

And Jordan - Algeria... yeah, I would've struggled with it at the best of times. As it was, there was only the faintest glimmer of hope that I can watch it but no, didn't happen. Probably the least glamorous fixture at this World Cup, however Algeria can really pull one out of the hat if they beat Austria. Comforting to know that even the draw qualifies them. And Austria... is really possible. I'll watch that with interest, because Argentina - Jordan is gonna be a butchering.

Draw the line

Spain - Saudi Arabia 4-0

Ok, so Spain is awake. I only got home in time to see the second half, but by half time the game was over. Still, I thought Spain were not as clinical in front of goal. They could've scored more, and the fact they didn't can be forgiven on this one occasion, but in the knock-out stages, it can hurt. And before that, they still need to play Uruguay in desperate need of a win. They'll probably win, and send Uruguay home, but it's not gonna be an easy game.

Belgium - Iran 0-0

Belgium comntinues the tradition of disappointing in major tournaments. They are now a meme. They were the better team in this game, but just being better doesn't get you points. Egypt is clearly the best team in the group and luckily they managed to get a point out of that game. So beat New Zealand and you're through, but to what end? So many great footballers, and unable to make a team.

Iran won a point through a disciplined defense and they were a bit unlucky with the cancelled goal. After the Belgian red card, their life became a bit easier, but they should've kept pushing for a goal. I don't think they'll get anything from Egypt, which probably means they'll be eliminated from the group stage. And they played well enough to deserve better, hence, when you have the opportunity, go for it. With a bit more attacking intent, they could've gotten 3 points from Belgium.

Uruguay - Cape Verde 2-2

Of course I'm happy for Cape Verde. They should not rest on their laurels, the world wants them to beat Saudi Arabia and qualify, but it might be easier said than done. Regardless, they have already covered themselves in glory, so anything from here on would be a bonus.

But. But. It was not a good game by any stretch of imagination. Cape Verde's first goal was opportunistic, and that's fine, at this stage you gotta get anything you can. Uruguay really only played the 5 minutes at the end of the first half, when they scored the two goals. The first one was really unlucky, Vazinha had to go for the ball, and the ball jumped really unfortunately off the post. Good on Araujo for being there and taking advantage, he'll now have the 2 goals at the World Cup on his cv forever, and a one or two phone calls might come in for him this summer.

The second goal was a good execution of a disorganised defense, and the closeness to the half time break might have something to do with it.

But to not be able to hold a lead against a debutant team is beneath a double WC winner. I'm really disappointed with Uruguay and with Bielsa so far, they have a history to honour and this is not the way.

Again, really well done on Cape Verde for equalising, Muslera fucked up big time for the second goal, and Varela had the good sense to take advantage of it, but for God's sake Cape Verde, play like a team! So many opportunities to build an attack, to throw a pass to a sole attacker, to take a defender out with a pass, yet all they're relied on was individual actions. At times it looked like 5-a-side football, and you only get away with that so much. Will they against Saudi Arabia? My guess is Spain will beat Uruguay and Cape Verde will draw Saudi Arabia. Cape Verde to qualify.

New Zealand  - Egypt 1-3

I did not see any of this game, and in all honesty I'm starting to enjoy the idea that late night games are soon gonna be less of an everyday thing. It must've been a good game, Egypt impressed against Belgium and they might well be winning the group. They're certainly the best team in it. When the first round of games was 1-1, 1-1, it's a bit difficult to know which way things are gonna go, but now it's clear. Egypt and Belgium for the first two places.

The Germans always win

Medium busy Saturday, but with no cabaret show, so I had time to actually watch some of the football.

Netherlands - Sweden 5-1

After Netherlands were equal to Japan in the opening game, and after Sweden thrashing of a decent-looking Tunisia, I though this will be veyr much an even game. A draw to be expected, or one of the team will edge it, but a 2 goals difference would be exceptional, I thought.

I only watched the first half, to be honest the Dutch double-scoring was too quick and too stunning. It didn't feel like the Swedes had it in them to come back from it, so I went to watch some theatre for the second half.

Even so, I expected 2-1, maybe 3-1, but not for the Dutch to come in with their finger on a trigger like that in the second half too. Good on them, and woe to Sweden for not being able to respond to the hits.

The goal at 4-0 was too little too late, and the fact that the final scoreline is 5-1 is a bit ironic, considering one might've thought this same scoreline ensured them a little cushion should goal difference become a criteria.

Happy that Elanga scored, and a good goal too. Why the hell did we get rid of Elanga?

Germany - Ivory Coast 2-1

Ok, this was painful. It was painful for me as a neutral. Cote D'Ivoire played so well, and it's not that the Germans played poorly or nothing, the Ivorians simply matched them, and then some. Great goal from Kessle, and they didn't pull back either. Going into half-time 1-0 against Germany is a feat, but they were well worthy of it.

The dildo of consequences came without lube though, and just as they broke the hearts of Ecuadorians with that late goal, Ivory Coast saw their hopes crashing down with that Undaev shot in the 90'+4 minute.

BUT, but... they have fully proved their worth, Ivory Coast, along with Senegal and Morocco they are worthy representatives of AFCON, and will join Germany in the knockout stages. And whoever draws them will not have an easy life. As it stands, that's France. France would win, but that would be a good game.

Ecuador - Curacao 0-0

This is what the World Cup is about! Staying up until 3 am to watch a 0-0 draw between Ecuador and Curacao!

Beautiful teams, both of them, I was impressed with the Ecuadorian support in the first game, but on this one occasion, their performance has been disappointing. Playing pretty much back to the wall, against the weakest opposition in the group, this should've been their 3 points. It's baffling that not only did they not manage to score, they were quite toothless. As a matter of fact, Curacao were their equals and had their chances. And while for the WC debutans Curacao this one point is huge, for Ecuador is a disappointing performance against weaker opposition, and a blow to their chances of advancing.

Where was the fighing spirit from the Ivory Coast game? Or was that the fluke? The Germans will not be walkovers, you know?

Tunisia - Japan 0-4

Tunisia was another disappointment. After holding their own against Sweden, at least for the first half, this was very much a meltdown. Not to take anything away from Japan's performance, which was pure poetry. But I'm sure the Japanese would've taken the 1-0. The fourth goal, as the commentator said, sums up Tunisia's presence in this World Cup: sloppy, toothless, careless.

I'm sorry for Hannibal, but his team did not show they'd deserve more.

Watch out for Japan - Sweden though, that's gonna be a great game!

Manifest Destiny

USA - Australia 2-0

Well, two emphatic wins have got people talking. USA has won the group (direct game is the first criteria rather than goal difference) and in fairness to them they did so in some style. A lot of things I don't like about the World Cup being held in the USA this time around (it was amazing in 1994 btw), but I've always had a soft spot for the US national team, they've always been a team with a lot of heart, if not a lot of talent. This time though, Pochettino has done something to them. They look like a solid team. The thrashing of Paraguay was completely unexpected. With Australia, I was a bit in doubt after the Aussies beat Turkey: are they a good team, or is Turkey having a really bad tournament? The latter, it seems. There wasn't much fight in the Aussies, they pretty much took it on the chin, and I don't fancy their chances agains Paraguay. Or they might draw it and qualify together, but that implies Paraguay conceeding second place, which I'm, not sure they would.

Scotland - Morocco 0-1

Alright, somehow Morocco just squeezes through. They beat Portugal 1-0 4 years ago to become the first African team to reach WC semis, but it felt against the course of the game. Same here, a fast goal, then deaf punching on both sides. The Scots should've been more courageous, trusted themselves more, and they could've won the game. And, of course, start the game more focused, don't conced after two minutes. 

I also think Scotland was robbed. The McGinn fall in the box... a case can be made that he'd lost the ball already. But the McTominay fall looked like a penalty to me. Baffled a bit as to why it hasn't been given. It can cost Scotland the tournament, and it ensures Morocco can have a chill day against Haiti. 

I'm less convinced about the demanded red card for the foul on Che Adams, but you know, together, they pile up.

Scotland should've still been more emphatic in their attacking, but it can be disheartening when you've done enough but it's not enough.

They are perfectly capable of getting something against Brazil, btu that's never an easy task. And they can qualify with 3, but the route is a lot more arduous.

Brazil - Haiti 3-0

I sleep-saw this game, but it looked a bit run-of-the-mill. I would've loved a Haiti tshirt with Touissant L'Ouverture, and of course, the Carraibean nation has doen great just by qualifying, but - with all the love in the world - they're not making much of a mark on the tournament.

Can they beat Morocco? Don't think so. Morocco are oily, I can kinda see them winning 1-0 and winning the group.

Turkey - Paraguay 0-1

The 5 am start was once more too much for me. I didn't see any of this game. Something tells me I haven't missed much. Turkey deserves to be the butt of all the Internet jokes though, they should do better than 0 points after games against Australia and Paraguay. I do not predict a happy send off for them in the last game, the way USA's been playing.

Oh, and I do not think the USA's route to the final has been prearranged. I would not have guessed they'd win this group.

Home advantage

Ok, I'm not gonna lie. Games are strating to mix in my head, and I was struggling to remember what games I've seen yesterday. Which means that my reporting on it is a bit like Eurovision. Not about the objective quality of it - after all, highlights are freely available and AI reports on games are available even before the final whistle - more about my affinity with the respective countries playing. This is why I'm so little interested in Champions League, for instance, when United is not playing.

But I do remember what I've seen when I'm watching intently, which is why I'm trying to focus purely on watching games as much as I can. For instance...

Czechia - South Africa 1-1

Only watched the first half of it, I needed to go see my Norwegian friends. And what a pleasant evening that has been - didn't even think about watching football. On the basis of the first half alone, I though Czechia is by far the better team. It kind of kills me when teams are happy to sit on 1-0, especially in this group format, where goal difference is so important. 

But it's exactly what the Czechs have done, and I don't know why. They slowly slowly allowed South Africa back in the game, and by the end of the half Bafana Bafana was the team on the front foot.

Of course they'll look better and have the opportunity to score if that's the case. I've seen Czechia's game against South Korea. They're a good team, and capabale of much more than defending a 1-0 lead to South Africa. But if you try to trick the game, the game punishes you. 

Mokoena drawing level from a penalty with 10 minutes to go must've been heartbreaking, but they brought it upon themselves.

Not all is lost, but the Czechs will now need to win against Mexico, and with the Mexicans having the home advantage, that might not be a clear-cut job.

Switzerland - Bosnia 4-1

I didn't see the first half of this, but I have a feeling I haven't missed much. I mean, in all fairness, it felt like a bit of a boring game even with the 5 goals in the last 20 minutes.

Maybe Bosnia should've done a bit more, I thought they were a bit unlucky and a bit sloppy to let Canada snatch a point from them, and this felt like sloppiness once again. So if it happens with Qatar too, it means it's not a fluke, it's just who they are. 

Sure, beat Qatar and qualify with 4 points, but for God's sake, have some pride!

Canada - Qatar 6-0

The kit, look at the kit!

Uhh, this was an utter failure on all levels from Qatar. Like, I get it, sometimes you lose a game 6-0, sometimes it's not even shameful (see Curacao). But this was so unnecessary. All of it. And I was thinking during the game that it's a failure of management as well as the players'. But now I think it was mostly a management failure.

You're 3-0 and one man down at half time against a superior team. What do you do? Well, you're sure as hell not gonna win the game. So there's a few options: defend for life, and try and limit the score, this is one, and probably the worst one. Or, try and win some glory, if points are out of the question. Either attack like crazy, after all 10-1 is better than 6-0 is some regards; or create some enjoyment, either for the fans or for the players. Try tricks, try stepovers, risky passes, keeping possession, dribble for life, anything. But do not lay back and wait for the whole thing to be over my man. It's not that kind of relationship.

That unfortunate fellow putting in his own net a shot that would've otherwise gone wide... what were you thinking my guy? I'd be ashamed of that in a Sunday League team. This is the World Cup, have some decorum!

Canada will take the scoreline, of course they will. But even they seemed a bit embarrassed by what the whole ordeal was. Because sure as hell it wasn't football.

The key moment was probably the first red card. Absolute lack of experience from the defender, pushing the forward so obvious like that. Roberto Carlos at 4 years of age would've done better in that situation. And the initial decision, penalty but only yellow card, would have served the game much better. We would've probably ended up with a similar scoreline, but a much more balanced game in an 11v11 situation.

The second red card, and the injury on poor Kone was just unfortunate. I doubt any maliciosu intent on the Qatari's defender part, again, it's just an insane lack of experience for this level that led to him not knowing how to approach the tackle.

Canada has an ok team. Larin seems like a decent player, David will now forever have a World Cup hattrick on his cv, and the confident boost from this will weight heavily on their approach to the first knock-out round. Which I think they will lose, but it's still the furthest they've ever been, so they'll take that. I'd say, don't worry about group table for the last game, take all the pressure off and enjoy the game against Switzerland, it would do you more good than anything else.

Qatar have managed to get a point so far, so still their best World Cup ever, but this is probably the only positive spin. I'll doubt they'll get anything against Bosnia, and if they do it will be on the Bosnians rather than them.

And the last thing I'll say omn this game - potentially the most interesting: Canada's shirt design. Oh my, that is a brilliant shirt! In a year or so, I'll check Classical Shirts for a discounted one.

Mexico - South Korea 1-0

Much in the same vein, South Korea's shirt design was the most interesting thing about this game. It was drab, but I feel it was only so because Czechia's draw allowed both teams to play for a point, with a chance of redemption if things go wrong. Mexico was sheltered by the 2-goal victory, which meant qualification was possible with 4 points, while South Korea is facing the weakest team in the group in their last game. And it felt like a tacit understanding that neither team will risk too much and both would happily take a point. Incidentally, Mexico won. Drab game, drab goal, with the keeper slipping the ball and an opportunistic strike from 15 yards out into an empty net. But it made the home crowd happy, and Mexico has won the group now, which might serve them really well for the first knock-out stage.

Will USA be the third home nation to qualify after just two games? Might as well, though I have a feeling Aussies will not take it laying down. We'll soon find out.

Engerland

Show in the evening, show in the morning, and 4 football games to watch in one day! It's too much for one man. I know which one I'd prefer, but sometimes is not the same with what I have to do. I've even fallen behind with my WC accounts for the first time - this will happen again for sure, but on this particular occasion, there you go, I'm recovering.

I'm also writing this straight after the previous post, but breaking them into two for easier reading.

Portugal  - DR Congo 1-1

Yes, I want Portugal to win, I think Congo will be the African surprise team, and I really wanted to see the game. I did watch bits on my phone, but not enough to get a feel of which was the better team. Neither, probably, at least according to the score. And there will be endless chatter about how Mbappe, Haaland and Messi had phenomenal games the day before while Ronaldo wasn't able to make his mark on this game, but this isn't showboasting. God, even Harry Kane got a nod in this conversation. Nothing changed in the groups equation, Portugal can and probably will win the group, but this was as anti-climactic as any. I should be glad, hopefully I'll get to see the good ones.

England - Croatia 4-2

No. Just... no

Ah, England. Did you know England is playing? Well, how can you not? I did say I want England to get out of the group stage or score a goal, and that bird has flown already. I don't like England games where they win and score a lot of goals because people tend to be noisy and destructive. I have to admit though, it didn't feel like that yesterday. Maybe I was protected, inside the Battersea Power Station bubble of consumerism, maybe supporters have become aware of the damaging impact of England wins, maybe a combination of the two, but it felt very much like a normal day yesterday. No singing on the tube. no carpets of rubbish on the streets, who knows, maybe even domestic violence quotas stayed within regular limits.

So ok, I will then participate in the joy of an emphatic English victory over an ageing, but still very good Croatian team. Happy for Harry Kane, two goals, good on ya 'arry! Am I happy that Rashford scored? Rashford who? After the Barcelona betrayal, he's got a lot of work to do to ransom our love. This is no prodigal son return story, this is a Judas story. He should be fed with the pods that the pigs eat and maybe, just maybe, after a 30-goals season, we might take him back. Or just sell him now and forget he exists, ideally.

Ghana - Panama 1-0

I got home close to half time and told myself I'll watch the second half. Did some of that, but naturally I fell asleep before the Ghanian goal, 90'+5, sounds like another heartbreak. The Panama team seemed to be attacking more, Ghana is by far the better team on paper, but this was not a classic by any measure.

Uzbekistan - Colombia 1-3

Speaking of not classics... 

Funnily enough, the 3 am start in the UK worked for the timezones of both countries. Late evening in Colombia, early morning in Uzbekistan. Didn't work for me at all, I saw the beginning of it, but that's that. 

I know nothing of Uzbek football, but apparently it is the top amongst the central Asian republics. No FC Arkadag stories in Uzbekistan and apparently the top club, Paktahor FC, is actually a decent club. I'm happy, therefore, for their first participation and first goal in the World Cup, but yeah, losing 3-1 to Colombia makes sense. I do hope I'll watch their next game.

But for now, let's go see the first half of Czechia - South Africa.

Masterclass

France - Senegal 3-1

As much as the other day was great for Muslim countries, that's how catastrophic yesterday was.

But a few words on France - Senegal before that. Now, I'm not gonna pretend I'm the woke master. As much as I'd try and avoid it, there is some residual racism in me, the result of a long and deeply entrenched racist education and cultural environment I went through growing up. And to a little extent, I do like to hold on to some of the jokes, and hope for the best.

But come on guys... I could not make head or tails of who's playing for what team in France-Senegal. Mbappe scores for one, then Mbaye for the other? Someone's taking the piss here. 

That's it. That was the joke, and that's why I wrote the racism intro.

On a serious note, Senegal is a super solid team and the scoreline dosen't do them justice. Norway is gonna have a real headache with them. But. But. Not only is France a super-team, Mbappe at his best is unstoppable. And he was at his best for most of the second half. But that was enough. 

First off, never a penalty when he fell in the Senegalese box. There was no contact between his feet and the Senegal defender's. Not that it matters. The movement for his first goal was sublime. No look at the goal, all the way across the keeper, on the turn, it's a shot that defies physics.

His second goal, the one sealing the board and the one that makes him top scorer for France and two short of Klose's record... the English comentators said half-heartedly that the keeper should've done better. And yeah, maybe he should have. But the force of the shot, the misleading bend... poor keeper didn't stand much chance.

Harsh scoreline for Senegal but goddamn. Mbappe only needs a keeper and maybe someone else to pass with.

Norway - Iraq 4-1

I'm very conflicted about Norway. I like them. I like the country, I like the team, I wanted to buy the tshirt. Norway's France 1998 team made me fall in love with United. Solskjaer, Ronnie Johnsen, Henning Berg... I have a lot of love for my friend Anette and all of the team at the Norwegian Embassy, I'm gonna see them tomorrow, I'm looking forward to it and always enjoy visiting them.

But then there's Haaland. Great player, for sure. But he plays for City, and he's uncouth as hell. Really unpleasant fellow. Ugly motherfucker. A combination between the strength of Schweinsteiger, the predatory instinct of van Nistelrooy, but the character of Alf Inge Haaland.

God said he'd save Sodom if he finds 10 good people in it, so my love for Norway should not be dented by one asshole. And it's not, not really. Worth mentioning him anyway.

Purely in footballing terms, however, what I wouldn't give to have one of our forwards (maybe Sesko?) be half the player Haaland is. That first goal, what a stretch! Big motherfucker, he could've probably started the tackle on the halfway line and still get the ball in.

Iraq did really well to equalise, had some momentum going, but then that silly error comes, 2 minutes before the break. Can't be too mad at the keeper, he was always gonna have a tough day at the office, errare humanum est and all that, but that mistake of his, sloppy pass back and not coming to receive it, very likely cost his team at least a point. Which was gonna be a precious point, neither France nor Senegal are gonna be easy to get anything out of. But with Norway frustrated, you can hope you can frustrate France too to a goalless draw or something, then either snatch something from Senegal, or go for 3 draws and wait for the other results. None of that possible now. 

3-1 kinda sealed their fate, 4-1 was unnecessarily harsh. 

I gained a lot of sympathy for the Iraqi team, but their adventure in this World Cup will be limited to 3 games. give a good account of yourselves, make the home country proud, then try to build on this legacy in 4 years, I suppose that's the best course of action. A good result against France can make them heroes, but a moment of brilliance from Mbappe will prevent that.

I was happy to see Zidane Iqbal playing, United academy kid, and still a lot of potential. Didn't materialise today, but hopefully he'll feature again.

Argentina - Algeria 3-0

'He was only holding a cup'

Now, if you know me, you know I don't like Messi. I think he's overrated, annoying, and obviously the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals will always be an open wound.

But this game was a masterclass. I can't really say much other than putting my hands up and admitting that what he has done in this game was incredible. Beginning to end.

From the disallowed goal in the 5th minute - what good instincts to know that he started the run just that little bit earlier, to feel what the ref needed a computer to see! Then the goals, first and third, phenomenal left foot shots. Now, thet strong left foot has been Messi's trademark for a while, and I was acknowledging its quality even at the height of my Messi-hating days.

Did he deserve a red card? I'll be honest, I didn't see that foul. Maybe I was asleep or what. There's pictures that say he did, I tend to think nowadays, in the age of VAR, the refereeing mistakes are much more structural rather than incidental. As in, a team tends to be generally favoured by being granted the 50:50 calls, and it might as well have been the case here. But what that means, is that it was only a 50:50 red card call. I don't know.

Algeria, despite the spectacular disallowed goal, didn't put up much resistance, and I hope, for their sake, a different team will show up for the next two games, otherwise they'll be the final two games. But the Chaibi fellow looks like a more than decent player, and with Austria and Jordan the other opponents, qualification is not out of the question for them.

Argentina, what an interesting team. It looks like a team build around and for Messi. Except that, unlike 4 years ago, it works. 4 years ago it was pushed forward strongly by an agenda and some made up penalties and did not deserve to win the World Cup. In the intervening 4 years though, those players have become superstars, playing for the biggest teams, at the highest level. Lautaro Martinez, Lucha Martinez or MacAllister, players any team would want in their ranks, and yet Messi shines. Argentina does look now like a team that deserves to win the World Cup. I still think they won't, but - and this is a big admission - I will enjoy watching Messi for the rest of the tournament.

Austria - Jordan 3-1

5 am is ungodly for the 4th game of the day. I did my best, but I can't say I saw much of the game. I did say I don't rate Austria, I thought Jordan isn't playing too bad, but the only goal I saw was Arnautovic's penalty. Again, they were winning anyway, 3-1 makes it sound a lot more categorical of a win that it has been, but you know...I like Sabitzer. I miss him. Arnautovic probably aspires to a good swansong. So, why not? Let Austria battle it out with Algeria and Jordan for the second place. The real test will be if they can get anything out of the Argentina game.

Insallah

Spain - Cape Verde 0-0

Wow, what a great day for underdgos, what a great day for Muslim countries! 

There isn't much history to Spain v Cape Verde except Spain tried to score, and couldn't. In part due to the amazing Vozinha, the keeper the Internet is going crazy about. He's 40, yes, but for a keeper that's not really unheard of. Raul Jimenez or Lukaku scoring at 35 or 33 respectively is a bigger story imho. I'm looking at the Portugese second league table. Chaves, that Vozinha plays for, conceded 40 goals in 34 games last season. Finished 9th. So he's not all that extraordinary. Maybe Spain just wasn't that good.

And in truth, what in heaven's name is the manager thinking, not starting Yamal? He is clearly Spain's best player, and one of the world's best. He did make a difference, although not enough for Spain to get the three points on this particular occasion.

And very good that they didn't. Besides the nice underdog story, for all the love I have for the people of Spain, the last time I liked their national football team was last century. This result will do them good, they'll realise they have to actually work to qualify.

As for Vozinha, good on him for cvatching the highlights! I hope he'll have a great tournament, rather than just this one game. Even so, I still think the tournament will only be 3 games, I don't see Cape Verde getting out of their group. But you don't need to in order to cover yourself in glory.

Belgium - Egypt 1-1

Emam Ashour

Now, normally this might be another great underdog story. Except Egypt was the better team, and Belgium was lucky to get away with a draw. 

Oh, by the way, Giroud is not only one of the greatest footballers that ever lived, he might actually be a God. As soon as he said 'Why don't they bring Lukaku in?', Lukaku came in and scored in under a minute.

I have mixed feelings about Big Rom. He is one of ours, once a Red, always a Red and all that. And I think he enjoyed his time with us. But he's been around so much that his career will be tied much more to Chelsea or Inter Milan for instance, and he never declared any special love for United. But, you know, he didn't need to. He's a man doing a job and that's that. And at 33, he can still do a better job than Doku or Trossard, who were quite pale in front of the Egyptian defence.

My other thing is that Belgium should start Lammens in goal. For all of 'Courtois is the best keeper in the world', Lammens is younger and more in form. I'm not saying he would've changed the result, just that he'd give a better performance. 

Anyway, Belgium keeps being Belgium, a collection of stars but never a team. Lucky for them, the reservoir of stars seems to be still producing, so they need a manager capable of making them into a team. But that's gonna be for the future now, and that's gonna be without de Bruyne.

As for Egypt, I'd say the biggest pleasant surprise for me so far. Australia beating Turkey 2-0 was a shock, but mostly because I expected more from Turkey. But Egypt? I thought Salah and that'a about it. And while Salah is undoubtedly an important player, he wasn't their best player by a long chalk. Emam Ashour of Al-Ahly was certainly the MotM for me, not only because he scored the goal, but because dude absolutely owned the left side of the pitch. Even after Belgium drew level, Egypt looked like the team more in control of the game and with the bigger chances. And it wasn't just Ashour either. Marmoush was also great, while the Egyptian defense was so calm and so well organised, it reminded me of Italy or one of those teams that know how to grind you down. 

So all in all, it was Belgium taht was lucky to get a point from the game. My prediction of Belgium and Iran going throuhg might still stand, but Egypt already proved me wrong, and I love to be proven wrong. Iran and New Zealand will have a tough life.

Saudi Arabia - Uruguay 1-1

Wow, what an assault! This is what the defenders of Constantinopole must've felt like in 1453! Saudi Arabia scored first, and good on them for doing that. Great timing too, 5 minutes before the break! But they were not ready for what followed. The most one-sided game I've seen in a long long time. Muslera must've been calling his family, told them how his holiday is going, because I didn't see much of him in the second half.

Bielsa is dubbed as crazy, and his teams play crazy football, and this game totally cemented that reputation. Uruguay scoring was inevitable, but they were unlucky they didn't score twice. It feels like a weaker Uruguay team than usual (I mean, come on, Ugarte is one of their best players), but when they play like that, it's pretty hard to resist the assault. It took another brilliant goalkeeper performance from Al-Owais, and a rugged, 10-men defense to get a point from them.

I mentioned the likes of Owairan and Al-Jaber, and it's true that was a great generation forn the Saudis, but even with a team of unknowns, palying mostly in the domestic league, they were still able to beat the *ahem* world champions Argentina 4 years ago, and squeeze a point from Uruguay yesterday. So, you know, maybe the Saudi league is growing. Maybe all those hundreds of millions of dollars do help.

Beat Cape Verde and you're through, as Sky Sports says? I mean, sure. It's just that, as we've seen, beating Cape Verde might not be as easy.

Iran - New Zealand 2-2

Unfortunately, slept again, so I haven't seen any of this game. But it looks like it was another great game. Four draws, a 0-0 and only 8 games in 4 matches, but this was a great day of football. Certainly the best so far, but I mean, one of the greatest in a while. Capable underdogs, great football, insane attacking and super-organised defending and 4 surprise results. A bookies' dream.

United Nations

Germany - Curacao 7-1

Some noise has been made about the expanded format and 48 teams instead of 32. Logistical challenges aside, I think the more the merrier. It's only when facing off teams you don't normally play that the best games happen. As such, I salute Curacao's participation to this World Cup, a country with a smaller population than some gigs I've been to.

Easy prey for Germany? Sure. But what must it mean for a country that size not only to play on this biggest football stage of all, not only to be able to play against Germany, but also to hold their own and score against Germany? And yes, the German gamne was methodical and calculated whereas luck contributed some to Curacao's goal. But also, the hydration (ads) break completely killed their momentum. Add to that a soft penalty and then try and recover two goal in front of Germany. It was never gonna happen.

Biggest loss of the tournament so far, yet Curacao have plenty to be proud of.

Netherlands - Japan 2-2

If you thought Netherlands vs Japan was a done deal, you might've missed Japan beating Spain and Germany at the last World Cup. I myself have misspoken in the opening post saying Netherlands will breeze through the group. It's true, the Dutch always bring good teams, but this one feels somehow a lesser team than usual. Definetly not the potential of the 1974 or 2010 finalists, not to mention the 1988 Euro winner.

They still dominated the game, and their goals have looked a lot better built than the Japanese ones, but halfway through the first half I found myself cheering for Japan. They were amazing, relentless and persistent. Similar in a way to South Korea's game, but with more maturity in their game. They can score a goal or two, and they're not afraid of any opposition. 

They will probably stumble against Tunisia, but that's a different matter.

Ivory Coast - Ecuador 1-0

Look, no two ways about it. I thought Ecuador was the better team and they deserved to win. I know I should be happy for Amad, and I am, I really am. But I can only imagine how heartbreaking his last minute goal must've been for the hearty Ecuadorian fans. A draw would've been a lot more equitable, and would have turned the group into who can get something from Germany rather than who can pile more onto Curacao. Can Ecuador stumble Germany? Last game, and probably not a lot at stake for the Germans, but I still doubt they'll leave it without a win. 

Two other important questions after this game: how old is Enner Valencia? (he's 36), and why the hell would you not start Amad for Ivory Coast?

Sweden - Tunisia 5-1

Ah, the 3 am game... I had planned to take a quick nap between the Ecuador game and this one, btu somehow I ended up waking up at half time, with the score 2-1 for Sweden. And I fell back asleep before the end, so I only saw some of the second half. I remember the third goal well, and the fourtha  bit hazy.

I thought Tunisia isn't playing too badly, and I was certainly glad to see Hannibal leading the line for Tunisia and having a couple of chances. I hope he scores at least one at this tournament. Always liked the kid, and I think United let him go a bit too easily. 

But with ballers like Isak and Gyokeres on the other side, hard for poor Tunisia to hold the floodgates. Life is gonna be really tough for them now, neither Netherlands nor Japan are gonna be easy games. Maybe book those flights back early?

Difficult Saturdays

Qatar - Switzerland 1-1

Oh, man, Saturdays were always going to be difficult. And I'm getting a bit lost in these start times. Honestly, it's weird having the World Cup across multiple time zones, or a mandatory ads break disguised as water break. But that's USA for you.

So I didn't see much of the 4 games yesterday.

I've seen nothing of Switzerland - Qatar. Noticed it was 1-0 for Switzerland all the way until the dying stages, and I thought, well, one way or another the Swiss squeezed it through. But an own goal in the 4th minute of injury time? It must be the bad Switzerland who showed up. Hard to make sense of this group now. Canada might actually win it, spurred by home advantage, and leave Switzerland and Bosnia battle it out for second.

Brazil - Morocco 1-1

I only saw the last half hour or so, which was good witrhout being outstanding, and by that time the final score had been established, and the commentators couldn't stop talking about how much better the first half has been. Good on Morocco for scoring first and for getting a point. Not sure they can recreate the semifinal from 4 years ago, but it's good to not squander that legacy and give a good account of themselves. 

Brazil look solid, despite not destroying Morocco, but it feels like their time hasn't come. I'd hate it to come at the expense of Scotland.

Haiti - Scotland 0-1

I did watch this (almost) integrally, and I thought Scotland was the better team and should have won more emphatically. I didn't understand why the fans would be afraid of Haiti, but this was very much the mood in the camp before the game, and with 3 points in the bag they can hopefully rest a bit easier, while approaching the Morocco game from the first place in the group. And if they get a good result there, the Brazil game might be redundant.

Australia - Turkey 2-0

3 am start was a bridge too far for a long day so, while I remember the beginning of the game, I can't say much about it. Except I have no idea how this result came about. I would've never expected it, I trust Turkey, and whether it was a fluke or if this is Turkey now, or whether Australia has a solid team... I'll need to wait for the next game to see. Is USA gonna win it? Looks like ti based on the first game.

Which means my prediction for the group were far off, but I love that about the World Cup. I don't love that people keep trying to get me to work during the World Cup, but we'll do our best.

Lucky Lukic

Canada - Bosnia & Hercegovina 1-1

Just for safety, I googled Canada's national anthem. It's called 'O,Canada!', by the way, not Jagged Little Pill, as I thought for a second upon seeing Alanis Morisette singing it. That would be ironic, wouldn't it?

What with Ryan Reynolds and Mike Myers in the stands, and Justin Trudeau supporting his girlfriend gigging in California, was there anyone left in Canada, I wonder? Or was Celine Dion running all the public services all by herself?

Alright, enough of music puns, though I did feel the Canadians started the game with one hand in their pockets. Bosnia, I thought, were favourites, the better, more experienced team. And it felt like this when Lukic scored after 20 minutes from a horribly defended corner, in which luck played a part too. Oh no, this is Set Piece & Hercegovina, I was saying to myself even before the goal. It did seem like Bosnians were looking for a dead ball situation to end all of their attacks. But after the goal Canada took a lot more of the initiative, and despite the naivete of their play, they were keeping the ball and shooting a lot. Most of it without posing a serious threat, but when they had to clear a couple of balls from in front of an empty goal, I would've reconsidered the game if I was the Bosnian coach.

No matter, I said to myself, this is their game plan, they're the experienced team, happy to sit in and absorb pressure, and wait for a break. Except it didn't pay off. Canada scored, I guess they were bound to once they were allowed all of this space to attack. Good execution too for the goal. The ball fell to Larin a bit randomly, and he barely cleared the defender, but once he had a clear sight of goal, the shot was as cool as any. 

And with 10 minutes to go, Bosnians could not respond. If anything, Canada looked the likelier team to win it as we headed towards the end. Now, had Bosnia won it, one way or another, perhaps I would've said: 'Oh, yeah, told you, experienced team, good game management'. As it is, they looked the typical Eastern European underdogs, happy to defend and wait for a lucky break. To be honest, with games against Qatar and Switzerland coming up, they might just get it. Draw Switzerland, beat Qatar, and hope Canada loses. But it's not the right way to play, especially as I think they can do more as a team. We shall see.

USA - Paraguay 4-1

People like to laught at USA's football team, and are quick to dismiss the great teams and great players americans had over the years. And I confess, I also expected Paraguay to win this one. But wow! What a dominant perfomance from the americans! One can argue an unlucky early own goal that changed the dynamics of the game, but what would Ayala or Acuna, the heroic defenders from the 1998 World Cup team, to this idea? 

I was convinced Paraguay is the better team, though googling predictions now, most people seemed to favour the Americans. Well, I should watch them closer then. 

It's hard going into half time 3 - 0 down, but after 3-1 and seeing Paraguay attack, I still thought they have a chance to get something out of the game. 

Credit to the USA team though and, I suppose, to Pochettino, they were in complete control, start to finish. I didn't even register the fourth goal, I must've been asleep by then, but does it even matter?

Australia is another tough nut to crack, and Turkey always brings solid teams, so this tournament is now looking dire for Paraguay.

Today is the first 4 games days, and for all my complaining about only 2 games/day, 4 is looking like a bridge too far. Will probably miss Qatar - Switzerland and Brazil - Morocco because of the cabaret, which is a shame, especially as Brazil - Morocco looks like a really interesting one. We'll see how much of it I can catch at the end of the cabaret.