Tag: Semifinals

  • World Cup Dispatch (UPDATE): France v Morocco

    And here we go, the second leg of the semifinals; France v Morocco. The colony versus their oppressor, at least that’s what I have been reading all day. You could also call it David v Goliath. And then there is Cinderella v The Clock. This could be an amazing match, or it could be a drumming. There is no in-between here – It’s all or nothing.

    I hope it’s not a blowout, like yesterday’s Argentina v Croatia match.

    I will say this, France did not look unstoppable against England, and I will argue that England was the better team out there. I wouldn’t say France looked weak, but they looked vulnerable. Both teams cannot play defensively, and I think France will come out as the aggressor which will only play into Morocco’s hands. For France to win, they have to score quick, and often – try to put the game away by half. If France doesn’t do this, then Morocco has a chance. Morocco will sit back, and wait for their opportunities, as they have proven they know how to be patient. Oh, it’s a long shot, don’t get me wrong, but if there is one team in the world that can make a long shot possible, it’s Morocco.

    That having been said, I’m still picking France.

    UPDATE: I guess I was sort of right about the match. I said France would win, and France won. I also said France would have to score early to win: They scored in the 5th minute. What I got completely wrong was who would be the aggressor and who would wait for their chances. Morocco attacked and had the ball for the majority of the match, but France was the one that seized their opportunities. Won’t lie, I was hoping my prediction was wrong.

    That sets up the final on Sunday: Current World Champion versus the GOAT.

  • World Cup Dispatch (UPDATE): Argentina v Croatia

    Here we are. Messi is just one win away from making it to the Final of the World Cup. Not that I’m getting ahead of ourselves here, as there is a very good Croatian team standing in his way. And I already have given Argentina the kiss of death by picking them, so sorry about that. If it goes to penalties, then my money is on Croatia.

    I will say this about Messi, there isn’t much push back about him winning the Cup. Maybe from the Dutch, but outside of them, Messi seems to carry good favor from around the world. That’s pretty impressive in this day and age. Seems like there is always a group of haters for any public figure, no matter who they are. But not Messi. I could be wrong, but I’m not seeing it. Good for him.

    I will find myself again on the sofa watching this match. I don’t have anything riding on it, as now I’m just watching the Cup to it’s conclusion. I came this far , I might as well see it to the end.

    You know.

    UPDATE: Hey! I do know something! Argentina is going to the final. And did you see that assist Messi had for their third goal? That was impressive. And that team earned it, as that was a solid performance from start to finish. Not the most exciting match of the tournament, but if you want to win the World Cup, that’s how you have to play.

    (I think I’m going to stop asking people to like my blog. I noticed that my likes have dropped off a cliff since I started doing this. So, I’m just going to respect your space.)

  • World Cup Dispatch: The Past Weekend

    Out of my four predictions I made on Friday, I only got one right; Argentina. I honestly didn’t think Brazil would lose. And as for Morocco, I didn’t even watch the match, except for the final five minutes when I looked at the score. (Shame on me for that one.) I said I liked it when the underdogs won, and Morocco is out there proving everyone wrong. And poor England, just couldn’t get it together when it counted.

    I wanted drama and I got it. Penalty kicks for the win, strong defenses, missed opportunities, and dreams dashed. I don’t know why Brazil didn’t let Neymar take the first kick. I hope Argentina’s goalie becomes a national hero. Morocco is proving that a great defense is still the best offense. And you have to capitalize on your opportunities when they prevent themselves. Sure, Kane should have made that penalty kick, but England had at least three good chances to score, and just couldn’t find the back of the net.

    The semifinal is set, and wouldn’t it be so odd if the final was a rematch between Croatia and France? I think the sentimental favorite is for Argentina to go to the final, so Messi can earn the swan song he so desperately wants. But, don’t count Morocco out just yet. France is a very good team, but Morocco has beat better teams this Cup. And France looked venerable against England.

    But, I will make my wildly incorrect prediction for the Final; Argentina v France.

    Alright world, go prove me wrong.

    (If you like my blog, I’ll like yours!)