Beyond the Game

     The 2018 men's FIFA World Cup is coming towards the final 4 games. The 2 semifinals match, where the winners advance to the finals and the losers play to be recognized as the third best team in the tournament. Instead of breaking down Belgium vs France or England vs Croatia as most articles will tend to do I want to focus on three stories that caught my attention. These 3 stories are not related nor have an agenda as their are other stories that occurred that are just as fascinating to others. What these stories to share is that they are related to the World Cup except they don't necessarily involve the game itself.

     Mikel John Obi is a Nigerian player who has represented Nigeria in multiple international tournaments for his country. It was revealed that before Obi played the third group stage match against Argentina his father had been kidnapped. Obi's father was rescued from his captors, but was sent to the hospital for medical treatment.

     Switzerland playing against Serbia in a group stage match doesn't really excite most fans from the stateside. But those who enjoy international politics were in quite of a treat. The split of Yugoslavia was not pretty and tension has remained in the post years. Two Switzerland players, Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri, celebrated their goals by using their hands to make a two headed eagle. A symbol that is on the Albanian flag. Both players have ties to Kosovo due to their ethnic Albanian heritage. Kosovo is a former Serbian province that declared independence in 2008. Tension remains high between Serbia and Kosovo as Serbia doesn't recognize it as an independent state.

     The third story involves a Croatian player. Croatia's defender, Domagoj Vida, scored the goal to give Croatia the lead in extra time against Russia. Croatia went on to win the match in penalty kicks. Vida posted a video with his former Dynamo Kiev teammate shouting "Glory to Ukraine" which is used as an anti-Russian slogan in Ukraine. FIFA has warned the Croatian defender.

    Their are plenty of stories, a lot more uplifting, than these three stories that have come out of the world cup. I picked these stories not to set an agenda nor distract from the amazing tournament it has been this far, but to show that the game is so much more than just a 90 minute game. It is what makes the World Cup so fascinating. It is a gathering of fans all around the world to celebrate the beautiful game and cheer for their team that includes everything, the good, the bad, and the ugly.   

World Cup Quarterfinals July 7 Quick Guide

      The round of 16 concluded two days ago with England breaking their world cup curse and defeating Colombia in a penalty shootout. The 2018 World Cup has been exciting to watch, the drama is unmatched and it seems as if this world cup is scripted, the writers have no idea of continuity. There are 8 teams left after the round of 16 and the matches will only become more tense and dramatic. Russia, Croatia, Sweden, England, Uruguay, France, Brazil and Belgium are among the 8 world's best international teams in the 2018 world cup edition.

July 7

     Sweden vs England

     Saturday will be an all European affair. The first quarterfinal match of the day will be between Sweden and England. Sweden with their defensive approach to the game has taken this side to the quarterfinals. I see Sweden as a poor man's Italy and I don't mean it as an insult to either nation. Sweden defends tight and compact with 11 players, but lack the quality to create anything threatening to their opponent. The counter attack and pouncing on their opponents mistakes is what Sweden does well and have been doing since the qualifying stage. 

    England has finally one a penalty shootout in a World Cup! The curse is finally broken. Now to "bring it home." As mentioned earlier post I am not really sold on the idea that the English national team is one of the best in the world even in historical contexts. They are a footballing nation that has everything to be the best from money, infrastructure, and great players. They just are not the best. However, I like this English side and think the their coach, Gareth Southgate, has done a great job managing the English national team. I want England to go through. Yet, they have a poor record against teams that defend well (Italy) and haven't necessarily dominated Sweden in recent history either. England are favorites, but I am going to use my upset call on this match. I wouldn't be surprised at all if  Sweden win sending home the English side with only their luggage in hand.

    Russia vs Croatia 

    The host are still in it. Russia will attempt to beat Croatia to reach the semifinals of the tournament. I do not see that happening as I rank Croatia as a much better team than the awful Spanish side that the Russians defeated in the round of 16 on penalties. Russia can go through, this is why the game is played, however, the only way I can confidently say Russia will go through is if they hold the Croatian side for 120 minutes and force a penalty shoot out. From their I will favor the Russian side to go through due to the Croatian sides poor display in shooting penalties against Denmark.

   Croatia are one of the better teams in this World Cup. They have a very talented midfield that can control the tempo of the match and dominate the other side. The only sides to score against Croatia in this world cup were Iceland and Denmark with a goal a piece. Croatia are clear favorites and I don't see any reason why they shouldn't be. The only way I will jump ship is if this match does to a penalty shootout.        

Round 2, The Quarterfinals 2018 World Cup Quick Guide

   The round of 16 concluded two days ago with England breaking their world cup curse and defeating Colombia in a penalty shootout. The 2018 World Cup has been exciting to watch, the drama is unmatched and it seems as if this world cup is scripted, the writers have no idea of continuity. There are 8 teams left after the round of 16 and the matches will only become more tense and dramatic. Russia, Croatia, Sweden, England, Uruguay, France, Brazil and Belgium are among the 8 world's best international teams in the 2018 world cup edition.

July 6

     Uruguay vs France

     The first match of the quarterfinals will be Uruguay and France facing off. This is an enticing match due to the quality of the teams. France destroyed the Argentina side to reach the quarterfinals. Kylian Mbappe demonstrated to the rest of the world that the next footballing star is here. The French side has talented players across the field from their veteran captain goalkeeper to Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann. I can understand why the sports websites I visit tend to favor the French. 

     

     Uruguay may share a border with Argentina but that's the only similarity that I can think of that their soccer teams share because of how far these two national teams are in terms of structure and consistency on the pitch. Uruguay is a team that is well organized and that can tactically defend any opponent that they face. Uruguay's head coach, Oscar Tabarez, has been in charge since 2006 and has implemented from the youth to the national team level on how he wants his side to perform. Do not let this confuse you into believing it's due to lack of quality. This is done with purposeful intentions and following their game plan. Uruguay's first goal against Portugal was the longest one-two between Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani that resulted in a beautifully executed goal. This match is worthy of a semi-final, but only one will advance. I do not understand the numbers I see in the sports websites that I visit in having France as clear favorites. Uruguay have a game plan and a coach who can adjust his team accordingly. I personally want and think Uruguay will win, but France are the favorites here. But the odds should be closer to 50-50 than 63-37. 

     Brazil vs Belgium 

     The next match later that day will be between two early tournament favorites, Brazil vs Belgium. Any time Brazil enters an international competition they can be easily be penciled in as tournament protagonist. The 5 time world cup winners pride themselves in their footballing abilities and their approach to play the game in a Brazilian fashion. That being said this Brazilian side share a very good defensive record this tournament. The Brazilians have only conceded 1 goal this world cup. The only other team left in the quarterfinals to do that is their South American neighbors, Uruguay. 

     Belgium has an insane overabundance of talent in their squad. Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, and Kevin De Bruyne are the three intelligent and talented players that easily stick out on any roster sheet. This Belgium side is considered by some a "golden generation" that should be challenging to win the tournament and I can understand why. For me this talented Belgium side have not clicked or found a unison rhythm in their play. However, this team can definitely challenge tournament heavyweights. I don't have a clear bias in this match and can see Brazil winning the match. However, Casemiro is out for Brazil due to suspension. If Marcelo starts over Felipe Luis in this match I can see Brazil getting easily countered by the Belgium side. It won't be a 7-1 humiliation or necessarily a defeat, but I see it as a tactical mishap that increases Belgium's probability in winning the match.

               

     

     

Just got into the World Cup? No worries I got You: World Cup Knockout Guide

     The group stage for the 2018 men's FIFA World Cup has finally come to its conclusion. With plenty of upsets and surprises the final games of the group stage provided plenty of intense drama for fans all over the world. Germany was the biggest upset, to most fans, to not make it out of the group stage. The group stage is over and the knockout stage has begun. So enough talking about the past. Of the 32 teams that started only 16 remain. If your a new fan do not fret, I have quick guide to catch you up with what's going on. From now on any team that loses is eliminated.

     France and Argentina will be the first match of the knockout stage Saturday morning-(Pacific Standard Time). France is a team full of young talented players such as Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe. Yet, the french national team hasn't played to their best capabilities or maybe due to the names on the team one assumes they can play better. Argentina is a complete mess. There is no visible strategy and after the Croatia lost there where rumors that the head coach would be fired before the third world cup game. Argentina beat Nigeria to advance in dramatic fashion. It is chaos. France on the other hand is the opposite of Argentina. The french have a team structure and a plan or an idea of what they want to do. France should be the team to win, but I worry that Argentina's chaos might work as an advantage due to the french will have no idea what they will be facing. Having a team on their toes while having a player like Lionel Messi on your side can be a winning formula in the knockout stages of this tournament. 

     Later in the day Portugal will face Uruguay. Portugal had to rely heavily on their superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in the group stage when the faced Spain and Morocco. The Portuguese team as a whole doesn't give me the confidence they will reach the final this tournament. Uruguay is a team that is built to win this tournament. By that I mean that I don't think they will, but the team structure, the defensive and rough philosophy accompanied by the Edson Cavani and Luis Suarez pairing up front give Uruguay the best chance in any match to win against any opponent. I don't see Uruguay winning this tournament, but I can see them beating Portugal. The winner of this match will go on to play the winner of the France vs Argentina match where there is a possibility of a Ronaldo vs Messi Quarterfinal. 

     On July 1 Spain will play the host in the round of 16. Russia may have the home field advantage, but that's the only positive I can see from this Russian side who played a weak Saudi Arabian team and an Egyptian team in political turmoil. Spain have not played well at all in this tournament which might boost as a morale for the Russian side, but I don't see Spain giving up any ground to the host. As long as Spain doesn't overlook their opponent they should set up a date with the winner between the Croatia vs Denmark match. 

     The next match for that day will be Croatia vs Denmark. Of the two, Croatia is by far the better team this tournament with Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic controlling and creating from the midfield. Denmark were a bit fortunate to get 3 points against a Peruvian team that played better. I really don't see Denmark advancing past Croatia who to me have been one of the top two teams of this tournament so far based on performances. 

     July 2 will be a very emotional day for me. Brazil and Mexico will battle it out for a spot in the quarterfinals. The best teams from North and South America will go at it in a knockout match. Brazil started off a bit slow with that draw against Switzerland, but have been flying high and all over the pitch since then. Phillipe Coutinho has been the best player for me this far, but Neymar is a talented and dangerous player who has been performing well. Mexico started off well by defeating Germany in their opening match and South Korea after, only to need the Koreans' help after Mexico lost to Sweden by a score of 3-0. For this match my brain says Brazil, but my heart and soul say Mexico. 

     Belgium vs Japan will be the second match of the day. On paper Belgium are the better team, but Japan showed that they aren't a team to be overlooked and will take advantage of an opportunity that becomes available. Belgium should beat Japan, but they will face the winner of the Mexico-Brazil match. That may linger in their minds a bit more than it should due to multiple sports journalist labeling their side of the bracket as the "stronger" side. Which Belgium are aware because in their last group game against England they used plenty of their bench players. Maybe Belgium just wanted to rest their starters and we the fans are over thinking and assuming too much, but it does seem probable. Belgium will go through, but if this team is going to go far they will have to play very strong opponents the whole way. 

     Sweden and Switzerland will battle it out for an opportunity to play Colombia or England in the quarterfinals. Sweden was a surprise to most that didn't keep a close eye and overlooked them due to the name and that frankly their style of play isn't necessarily attractive to watch. Sweden is a team that can defend with all 11 players and composed enough to seek the one goal that will further benefit their style of play. Switzerland will have a tough time breaking through the Swedish team. I can see this match going to extra time and eventually a penalty shootout. 

     Colombia vs England! England got their wish (I assume) on being seeded on the "weaker" side of the bracket. However, England will be tested right away against a Colombian side that has been on of my favorites to watch. Not to stereotype, but Colombia play with a South American flair that is fun to watch and the players have excellent technique that when the Colombians move the ball around the field it truly resembles the joyous dance they perform after they score. I like England, most that know me understand that I don't normally rate the English as being above average in the international footballing world. England beat a weak Tunisian side and a first timer in Panama only to lose to Belgium's B team. In England's defense they also used plenty of their bench players to start their last match against Belgium. I am torn between these two, but I will lean towards Colombia. The winner of these two on paper will have a really good chance on reaching the semifinals.  

            

We Know it was Just A GAME

   
      On the 17th of June 2018 it was father's day. Sunday was special for a variety of reasons, one big reason was that it falls under the world cup calendar. It was extra special for Mexican dads that follow and cherish the Mexican national team, El Tri. The defending world cup champions, Germany, were defeated by a 1-0 scoreline by the Mexican national team. It was a group match which means that a win, loss, or draw wouldn't necessarily mean the end for either team. Each team is guaranteed to play 3 matches to determine if they reach the knockout phase of the tournament.

     The celebration was wild! Irving "Chucky" (pronounced CHOOKY) Lozano scored the winning goal for Mexico in the 35th minute. Once the final whistle blew emotions filled the stands, the players, and those fans all over the world who bleed red, white, and green watched from. My Twitter feed blew up with memes and Gifs of joy and support of the Mexican victory. I loved it.

     I will take this moment to thank the Mexican national team for giving my dad one of the best gifts he probably has and will ever receive on father's day. Hearing him shout "Chooky is number 1!" filled me with even more emotion than I already was after the match concluded.

     WE KNOW IT WAS JUST A  GAME. We get it. Myself, along with the rest of the mexican and non-mexicans who support the national team. But, what many (mostly stateside) fail to understand that soccer is an amplifier of emotions. Sports tend to do that at a pretty intense level, but the world cup puts it beyond reach of anything on this planet. To reiterate, what I say often with confidence, sports are political. They are also a glimpse of hope, a window to show others, the world, who one is and the Mexican national team, as many other national teams are as well, are exactly that too many people.

      Mexico is geographically located in North America, yet their soccer resonates closer to South America. The language, the flair, the passion has always been similar to those nations south of Mexico. However, due to their geographical location, the Mexican national team is part of the CONCACAF (The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) federation under FIFA (Federation International of Football Associations). Historically, the world cup has been dominated by European and South American national teams. Mexico has been that one team that is talented, but never really at the standard of the very best.

     For those who question the passion of the Mexican people for their national soccer team baffles me. I question whether they are sports fan themselves which then is even more baffling, but the common person who sees the neanderthal in sports fandom as mob mentality, I can understand that. To address both, the Mexican national team is sacred to most Mexicans for a variety of reasons. Stepping into the social and political realm again for those not familiar, Mexicans know what is going on in their country. They are aware of the government corruption, the scandals, the drug trafficking and issues that surround the country. They live there guys. If your motive is to hate on the Mexican national team due to confusing it with the Mexican government or that being poor due to that same government cheating its own people some how makes them less aware or lazy and dumb I loudly will like to tell you to "GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE."

    The Mexican national team is the small window that allows Mexicans to express and demonstrate themselves as a collective to the world view without much bias and outside interference. The Mexican federation isn't innocent themselves, but the players play the game that brings so much joy to the people that most still support their players knowing the shadow that lurks.

     I am not attempting to start a fandom war or state that Mexican fans are better than others. From videos from social media one can see that Mexican fans do enjoy themselves and are inviting for others to join in with their celebratory lifestyle.

     Soccer means so much to Mexicans because it is an outlet, a beacon of national pride, a commutative collective that most Mexican don't find at the government level or much acceptance from their northern neighbor. I study sports and still don't completely understand why my parents' and my national team makes my heart rate increase and fill my head and soul with such passion when Mexico plays. I understand, it isn't the most logically sound thing in life, but I don't care. I love this sport. And Mexicans love their national team. And beating Germany in the world cup was one of the greatest moments in sports that I can proudly say I witnessed. And I wasn't alone. 
           

      

2018 FIFA Men's World Cup (Group H)

Group H

Poland (10)

Senegal (28)

Colombia (16)

Japan (60)

              Group H, the last group of the 2018 World Cup. To clarify, the letters have no correlation with the strength of the teams that make up a group. Teams are picked on random based on which pot they were assigned to. Yet, this group is fitting to be drawn into Group H. This isn’t to say there isn’t world class quality players, but the group has no traditional powerhouse team. Poland, Senegal, Colombia, and Japan are the four national teams that make up group H. Japan has been the most consistent, this will be their six consecutive world cup appearance. Poland will be the historically more experienced team as this will be their 8^th world cup appearance. To use those fun facts as a perspective, Japan is the team that will most likely finish last in the group while Poland is the highest ranked team according to FIFA rankings. Yet, the best performance of any of the four teams belongs to Senegal and Colombia. Senegal in their first world cup appearance reached the quarterfinal stage in 2002. 2018 in Russia will be Senegal’s second world cup appearance. Colombia were eliminated in the quarterfinals by the host in 2014.

              The amazing aspect of this is that this group will have two teams that will reach the round of 16. I am aware that each group will have two teams reaching the latter stage, that’s how it works, but my excitement is two national teams that are not house hold names will make the round of 16! That being said my predictions for this group have shifted from day to day. Colombia will finish 1^st while second will be Senegal. Poland has a great striker in Robert Lewandowski and can finish in second, but I am going with the unpredictability of Senegal over the predictable Poland. The top 3 teams can all interchange which is why I keep switching on which teams will advance. Japan is the only team I can clearly see not making it out of the group. This is a Japanese national team that isn’t as strong as their predecessors and from the players that I have been able to keep up with have not played well, often, or are sidelined with an injury. But, I could be wrong and I actually enjoy those moments.

              I will stick to these two national teams. Colombia and Senegal.  

2018 FIFA Men's World Cup (Group G)

Group G

Belgium (3)

Panama (55)

Tunisia (14)

England (13)

              I have been discussing teams based on the order in which the national team was drawn. Hence the order is not alphabetical or based on FIFA world rankings, but in the order in which the teams were plucked from the designated pots into the groups. I will break away from my short tradition on this group. Why? England, that’s why. For those who read or more likely discuss sports with me in person understand that I see England a bit different then most of my anglophone speaking people. To some, especially supporters of The Three Lions, will see me as having ill will or some sort of hostility towards the English. I can assure them and to one and all that I have no such feelings. I study history of sports and my emphasis and main focus is football (soccer). From what I gathered I don’t see England as elite or a world class footballing national team. Are they good? Yes. Excellent and memorable players? Definitely. But, to place them in the same historical category as Brazil, Italy, Germany, France, and Argentina is a stretch too far for even the most bias supporter. I see them closer to Uruguay. For those who are upset or disagree with that statement by all means lets discuss it. Chances are I already know who and why, but that will be for another time and I prefer in person discussions.

              The reason for the clarification on my English stance will come to fruition in my closing statements. Moving on. Belgium is national team that at the moment has players to win a World Cup. Whether they can or can’t will be based on how they perform in Russia this summer. A “golden generation” is what Belgium has and if they fall short of a semi-final it will be seen as a failure.

              This will be Panama’s first World Cup appearance. Well-earned and deserved. Unfortunately, I don’t see Los Canaieros playing a fourth game. Tunisia won their two most recent friendlies with a score of 1-0 for both games. They were against Iran and Costa Rica, both world cup qualified teams. As impressive as that may seem I don’t see the Tunisians beating the English or Belgium for the first and second spot to advance to the knockout stage.

              Now who will win group G? England! I predict England finishes first and the lack of experience from the Belgium national side will cause them to slip up and finish behind their former EU partner. I am a fan of Gareth Southgate, the English national team’s coach, and think he is did an excellent job managing England during the world cup qualification stage. I mean this sincerely, I am rooting for England to win the World Cup as my underdog team.