World Cup Coverage by Paul
What's This? Who's Paul?
I’m Paul, and this is here because I’m helping Fitz out this summer with his many impressive projects. This is sort of a test run…
Since the thing occupying most of my brain space right now is the World Cup, here is my bracket, and here are some of my thoughts.
June 30
June 29
Pre-Knockout Nerves: The Day Before the Start of the Real Stuff
The teams are set. International footballing stars are staying off their feet. English manager Gareth Southgate is getting someone to look at that shoulder he dislocated during a 10k run near the English base in Finland. Uruguay is thanking their lucky stars for Sergio Ramos’ flexible morals.
And, of course, everyone is secretly happy that the Germany, the defending champions, have made an ingloriously early exit. The Nationalmannschaft (what a name for your national team! It puts the French Les Bleus to shame) logged a lackluster performance this time around, scoring a pitiful 2 goals against such soccer titans as Mexico, South Korea, and a Zlatan Ibrahimovic–free Sweden. It’s nothing new, of course: the last three World Cup champions have gone out in the group stage at their next tournament appearance.
This World Cup looks like it might be one for a sleeper team to claim, which is exciting for everyone except Spain, Brazil, and Argentina. Almost none of the big teams at this 2018 iteration of the biggest sporting event in the world have looked as good as they should: Argentina Lionel Messi has looked nervous while barely squeaking through to the Round of 16 behind a Luka Modric–powered Croatia, who have looked like a real team in the midfield. Spain, meanwhile, drew to Morocco 2-2, conceding a concerning number of goals; Brazil have been thoroughly mediocre; and Euro 2016 champions Portugal drew to perennial powerhouse Iran.
There was sad news too, however: fan favorite Iceland have been knocked out along with Nigeria, who were the youngest team as well as the best-dressed. Egypt Mohammed Salah also took an early exit, causing most Liverpool fans to hit the local pub a little earlier than usual and to sing offensive songs about Sergio Ramos.
‘Who’s got the best chance now?,’ you might ask. Belgium have played well, and France looked good before they made nine lineup changes against Denmark in the sleepiest 0-0 draw ever played. Argentina Lionel Messi seemed to show flashes of his usual brilliance against Nigeria, though if Argentina expect to make a real run at this tournament, Jorge Sampaioli has to lose his terrible managerial decisions along with that awful shirt.
Could it be England’s year? Ha, ha. Only kidding.
Wow, Paul! It’s very impressive that you picked 13 out of 16 teams correctly for the knockout round!