It's half-time in the Sweden-Switzerland game, and so far it's met all of the expectations ahead of time. The world cup's equivalent of a Bournemouth v Watford. The prize at stake, a potential quarter-final match versus an easy English team. As apparently, that's how we're supposed to be thinking these days - how easy is the game after next?
The last two weeks have apparently taught us nothing. Try asking Germany, Spain, Argentina, Portugal how easy their next game will be at the world cup.... Even the remaining teams have a cautionary tale to tell - Croatia crept past a fantastic performance by Schmeichel. Full of passion, fist bumps and paternal pride.... his son also had a good game. And then Belgium.... I almost had my diatribe on Roberto's coaching failings fully written like a BBC pundit on VAR, only to be weirdly outdone by an Everton alumni show. Bobby Brown Shoes made two influential substitutions, proving that while nobody likes the big haired wonder, he is incredibly effective as an emergency striker. Particularly against a Japan team measuring about 3 foot smaller than Fellaini (before counting the hair).
In maybe a good omen for England, teams that have been thoroughly underwhelming prior to the tournament have exploded. Russia were awful. Still in. Japan fired their manager right before the tournament - they came within 20 mins of the quarters, and had England faced them, I'm not so sure we would have still thought that the "easier" 2nd round game.
And so on to today. I already earmarked Colombia as the team to avoid, and still do. They're a good team, with or without James, and I'm surprised at the confidence held by the 'experts'. The one thing we can't do is think any further than this game. Such has been the decimation of past champions so far, it almost feels like England will be handed the world cup just by virtue of playing last in each round. Not so. This thing is wide open. Win and survive is the only priority... let's worry about what is coming home a little further into this thing.
I'm not worried by the rest period. It doesn't mean anything... this team could underperform on no rest also! We just need them - and let's face it, Harry - to show up. If that happens, we have a real chance. C'mon boys!
Then we can worry about Bournemouth or Watford. (Although it's fair to say I've seen nothing to fear so far other than being hit by the ball if I'm in the stand behind the goal!)... damn, I slipped... that thing called hope is back again... .
Other mentions:
Fox Sports Fail... Jorge hasn't been booked for today's game. It's the Scottish tones of Derek Rae this side of the pond. Disappointing.
Efficient Brazil almost German-like (pre-2018 version) in working through their games. Consistent and hard to score against... worthy favourites.
South Korea.... while disappointing they didn't escape the group, they produced a performance for the ages by defeating the current world champions in their final game. The fan reaction? File under "Harsh!"
Player of the Tournament... my pre-tournament money for this is on both Neymar and Mbappe. It would seem I have a chance here, but the former needs to cut out the rolling around to make that a feel-good win. (note my wallet also accepts immoral victories).
The draw: It is amazing how the draw has broken out. But rather than focus on England's obvious glory as a result, I'm just looking forward to the games. Any one of Uruguay, France, Belgium and Brazil could be there on July 15th. It's going to be a lot of fun....
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