THE IMMACULATE SELECCIÓN
For a moment, it seemed as though France might relive the disappointment of the Human Rights World Cup final. After conceding a penalty late in the first quarter and appearing disoriented for much of the match, Les Bleus eventually found their rhythm. Kylian Mbappé shifted into high gear, racing down the left flank and cutting in to reduce the two-goal deficit. However, this match was destined to be memorable for reasons other than a dramatic comeback. Spain executed a masterful display of control, maintaining an edge in the game despite similar possession statistics. Ultimately, France, known for their electrifying play during this Geopolitics World Cup, will be heading home, though they will first make a stop in Miami for the bronze medal match.
Football Daily expresses sympathy for Didier Deschamps, who has faced personal challenges outside of football. This is a coach who wished to leave a lasting impression, akin to a teacher bringing out the TV and snacks on the final day of school. Deschamps embraced the approach that England fans once urged Gareth Southgate to adopt, deciding to take off the handbrake. This decision produced an impressive performance, highlighted by Michael Olise’s flawless through ball to Mbappé against Senegal, and Ousmane Dembélé’s skillful cut-in from the right against Norway. Yet, despite this talent, France concludes the tournament with their poorest World Cup result since 2014. The French publication L’Équipe, having turned off the screen and discarded the sweets, handed out low marks: twos for Olise, Dembélé, and Lucas Digne for their semi-final performances, with Mbappé receiving a three. Harsh but fair.
“I don’t think we played the match we wanted to play, whether tactically, technically, or in terms of our overall performance level,” sighed Mbappé. “When you don’t do what you’re supposed to do in a World Cup semi-final, you don’t win. Our goal was to press them high up the pitch to prevent them from settling into that slow, controlled rhythm, because when it comes to controlling the game they are better than us. We failed to do that … When you put it all together, the result is a defeat. It’s a huge disappointment.”
Instead, it will be Spain making their way to the New York New Jersey Stadium, where a grand closing ceremony for the GWC is set to take place. FIFA has confirmed performances by Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and the popular YouTuber/streamer IShowSpeed. FIFA is undoubtedly hoping to attract the attention of Gen-Z audiences. Additionally, Tom Cruise is expected to make an appearance, likely skydiving onto the pitch while riding a motorbike with Gianni Infantino. This ceremony is distinct from the halftime show, which FIFA describes as “a landmark celebration at the intersection of sport, music and global impact,” and is likely to create an extended pause in play. Somewhere amidst all this, a football match will occur, surely orchestrated by Rodri and his teammates, mesmerizing everyone in attendance.
LIVE ON BIG WEBSITE
Join Rob Smyth at 5 PM BST for live minute-by-minute updates from the GWC semi-finals as England faces Argentina.
This Thursday evening, fans can tune in to a live show featuring Max Rushden, Barry Glendenning, John Brewin, Barney Ronay, and Jonathan Wilson from their sold-out performance at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City. Tickets for the livestream are available here.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“It’s a football match; I can’t mix things up, out of respect for what happened so many years ago. It was a very sad time in our history, and there isn’t much we can do about it. Mixing the two would be madness. We criticise that there was war. It is a game of football, we need to keep things separate. Yes, we remember Argentinian people and people that were lost in the war, but let’s not conflate things. What do the players of today have to do with many, many years ago?” – Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni advocates for calm and perspective ahead of the semi-final against England. Meanwhile, back in Argentina, vice-president Victoria Villarruel has been somewhat less restrained. “Tomorrow we play against the usurping pirates,” she declared. “This isn’t just another match. I’m not going to be politically correct or cold-hearted; against the English, it’s always something more. It’s the Malvinas, it’s Diego, it’s Leo’s last one, and it’s putting the brakes on the invaders. Go Argentina! Because until our last breath, we’re going to claim what’s ours!”
FOOTBALL DAILY LETTERS
“Are we now going to see an endless supply of letters suggesting 2030 names (yesterday’s Football Daily letters)? While I love Carbon Footprint World Cup, I’d like to suggest the WTFWC. It’s already started with talk of a 64-team tournament. But it will take much more to top the GWC. It started with the suspension of Cristiano Ronaldo’s ban, the award of the FIFA Peace Prize and display of the trophy in the Oval Office, followed by bans of fans, a referee, and Iranian support staff. Not to mention travel restrictions, the Balogun incident, spider wires, overturned goals, Paraguay v France, and so many more shenanigans. Only a WTF World Cup will be able to top it” – Steve Mintz.
“I don’t understand why Gianni Infantino doesn’t take his World Cup expansion idea to its logical conclusion, simply abandoning the whole qualification process and just having a tournament for any country that wants to turn up. Saves the two years or so of international matches which cause such disruption to domestic leagues around the world. Might even be a net gain on the emissions front too. Think about it, Gianni!” – Adrian Riley.
“Mr. Infantino’s definitely missing a trick. Why not go the whole hog and have two World Cups; one, let’s call it the World Cup, for y’know, the top teams. And another, let’s call it The Rest of the World Cup, for y’know, everyone else. There may well be the possibility of a third string to this, perhaps called the World Vase, played by teams knocked out of The Rest of the World Cup, but give an opportunity to redeem themselves. This model is virtually endless.” – Brian Saffer.
If you have any letters, please send them to the.boss@. Today’s prizeless letter of the day goes to … Brian Saffer. Terms and conditions for our competitions, when we run them, are here.
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