Skip to main content

Multi-screen

By

In a departure from previous tournaments, I've not been embracing the full multi-device set-up for these final group games. So far that is. The frantic experience of last night has changed that - as I hopped madly between channels to see whether Poland would pick up the 2 extra yellow cards that might see them get knocked out, or Mexico on the other channel to get an elusive third. It was compelling stuff for 20 minutes - and certainly enough for me to come prepared tonight, with telly showing the Costa Rica vs Germany game, Japan and Spain battling it out on the tablet, and phone close at hand for any mathemetical calculations or regulations look-ups that might be required along the way.

I'll certainly miss having Mexico in the knockout stages, they normally provide good excitement before bowing out in the last 16, no such luck this time. That they have been edged out by the utterly coma-inducing Poland is a travesty. Despite their match against France being billed as a Mbappe vs Lewandowski clash of the titans, it will surely be an absolute cake-walk for the rested French first XI. 

Argentina were totally dominant and look to be pacing the tournament well, but they are also a hard watch. So much talent coupled with so little movement and a Man City (pre-Haaland, false 9) playstyle makes them dominant but not exciting. 

The earlier games were less exciting, and somewhat work interrupted for me - frustratingly I am in my most intense fortnight of work for the last 12 months right now, the timing stinks . Australia join Poland as last-16 fodder, but I suppose I should credit them an impressive result and indeed group performance. Tunisia looked like fun against the French reserves. 

I've not reacted yet to England's performance. Great that we progressed in style in the end. The media are losing their minds over Rashford, and credit to him, the goals were great, but I still stand by the poor man's Mbappe label, I thought he played aggressively but spurned many good attacking opportunities with poor choices and poor touch if I am honest. Wales were absolutely hopeless - Poland minus the grit and I think a tough decade awaits them without any obvious successors to Bale, Ramsey and Allen. It all just looked and felt so very Championship/League 1 from them.

And so to tonight. It all looks to be going to par, with Germany ahead (isn't Musiala a treat to watch) and Spain too (though I think Japan still could upset things a bit). What has happened to Morata! He looks a striker all of a sudden. 

Tomorrow I am fully determined to max out. I'm expecting Serbia to sneak past Switzerland and expect Uruguay to beat Ghana which will give South Korea a sniff. They must have a shout against an already-qualified Portugal. 

Once all that is done, we're straight into the knockouts. Is this normal, I feel like there's normally a one day gap  - either way, I'm absolutely here for it!

 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Arriving late at the far post...........

By
Well, out from behind a rock I come. Like Batman responding to the spotlight over Gotham, the sight of Alexi Lalas relaxing on ESPN's swanky new World Cup set spouting 'knowledge' of the beautiful game immediately triggered me into action. A personal excitement for me is the returning punditry on this side of the pond of one Roberto Martinez. 4 years ago, I listened to this polite young man with light enthusiasm....now I find myself hanging onto every word from Bobby Brown Shoes. A supremely classy guy, just hoping for the "and Neymar is close to signing, which is phenonemal (Bobby's most used word - quite impressive for a Spanish native) " Sooo, what have I missed so far (Brazil own goal aside).... - Roy Hodgson in old man sunglasses - An amazing lack of planning from team England organizing a friendly in Florida at 5pm in June and being surprised as a thunderstorm - Scapegoating of a key England player (Rooney) before a ball is kicked in anger - Overplay...
2 comments
Read more

Stunning games and goals

By
Last night's games really lived up to their billing. Brazil and Chile was a great game - both teams going at it, the threat of goals ever-present and the threat of red cards also seemingly high. Chile looked the better team on balance, but the home advantage seemed to lift Brazil and they always carried a threat. The theme of course; one which is endemic across the tournament, is that neither defence looked very strong. In the end, the width of the post denied Chile in the shoot-out, as had the crossbar in the final minute of extra time. A really crappy way to go out of the tournament, but they can be proud of their efforts. Few will be disappointed to see Brazil still in the tournament, as things always go a bit flat once the hosts bow out. I'll also enjoy those anthems carrying on. If anything sums up England's utter failure in big competitions of late, it is the passionless mumblings we do in the anthems, which sets the tone for the game afterwards. The second game o...
Post a Comment
Read more

Reflections

By
So another World Cup is coming to a close, and while recriminations, inquests and debriefs will continue - the distraction will stop and life goes on. Sometimes, almost guaranteed, that means dealing with heartbreak along the way. I for one hope Mr and Mrs Birchy have had their share and, the future has in store many more good times to balance out the tough. Wishing you both strength at this tough time. There's no great segue to get us back to the footie, but I talked about distraction and here is my distracting run down on all things Brazil, team by team, with omissions of those that didn't leave an impression :  Africa: Algeria weren't bad at all. Great game v Sth Korea and gave the Germans a run for their money. The rest made the squabbles for win bonuses the height of irony... Asia: Sth  Korea: pelted with toffees upon arrival home. Need I say more. I've forgotten what Japan did United States of Australia: plucky effort team, sum of parts blah blah..., could run all...
Post a Comment
Read more