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!
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