THE IMMACULATE SELECCIÓN
For a brief moment, it seemed as if France was set for a repeat of their previous World Cup final experience. After conceding a penalty early in the match and appearing disoriented for significant stretches, 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 would not unfold dramatically as Spain executed a masterclass in control, despite a near parity in possession. Ultimately, France, known for their flair in this Geopolitics World Cup, is heading home, albeit with a stop in Miami for the bronze medal match.
Football Daily expresses sympathy for Didier Deschamps, who has been grappling with a personal loss outside the pitch. Deschamps aimed to leave a mark, reminiscent of a teacher bringing out the TV and snacks on the last day of class. He adopted a more liberated approach, something England fans had long requested from Gareth Southgate, allowing for a showcase of talent. Noteworthy moments included Michael Olise’s exquisite assist for Mbappé against Senegal and Ousmane Dembélé’s impressive move against Norway. Yet, France concludes their journey with their poorest World Cup finish since 2014, as L’Équipe delivered harsh critiques: twos for Olise, Dembélé, and Lucas Digne, while Mbappé received a mere three. Harsh indeed.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Spain is set to appear at the New York New Jersey Stadium, which will host the GWC closing ceremony. FIFA has announced performances from Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and the popular YouTuber IShowSpeed. FIFA is undoubtedly thrilled about engaging the Gen-Z audience. Tom Cruise is also expected to make a dramatic entrance, potentially skydiving onto the pitch while riding a motorcycle with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This event will be distinct from the halftime show, described by FIFA as “a landmark celebration at the intersection of sport, music and global impact,” which will likely lead to an extended break in the action. Amid all this, a football match will take place, orchestrated by Rodri and his teammates, captivating the audience.
LIVE ON BIG WEBSITE
Join Rob Smyth from 5pm BST for live, minute-by-minute updates from the GWC semi-final match between England and Argentina.
This Thursday night, tune in to a live show featuring Max Rushden, Barry Glendenning, John Brewin, Barney Ronay, and Jonathan Wilson from their sold-out event 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 calls for calm and perspective before the semi-final against England. Meanwhile, back home, vice-president Victoria Villarruel has been keeping things civil … oh. “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, please send letters to the.boss@. Today’s prizeless letter o’ the day goes to … Brian Saffer. Terms and conditions for our competitions, when we run them, are here.
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