that's cool. I love the phrases they use like: That was a howler Squeaky bum time Playing with their tails up
I wonder if Maradona sort of sabotaged Messi early in his national team career. In his first two World Cups, he only had 1 goal and 2 assists over 8 World Cup matches, with Maradona as the manager. He scored 0 goals over 5 matches in 2010, and Messi was close to the peak of his powers at that point.
Excellent job on defense by Ghana. Whoever plays England in the next round will re-watch that one closely.
Final group matches begin today and the next downside of the new 48 team system with some 3rd ranked teams advancing and a huge advantage for those fighting for the 3rd spots and playing later, since they know the exact result they need, while those playing today or tomorrow might have to take a risk. For those into World Cup history, a new "disgrace of Gijon" might come up with ironically Austria and Algeria being involved.
Didn't think of that but I don't think it will be as dramatic as in the past. There's still so many permutations that can happen with each 3rd place qualifier, I don't think anyone can take their foot off the gas.
Canada losing homecourt is most probably their exit ticket. Not too impressed by Switzerland either, if any group winner gets eliminated early, it's probably them. Will go only as far as Manzambi can carry them. Still no minutes for Alphonso Davies means he's pretty sure out for the tournament and only in the squad for strategic reasons.
