THE IMMACULATE SELECCIÓN
At one point, it seemed France might relive their struggles from the Human Rights World Cup final. After conceding a penalty late in the first quarter and appearing disoriented for much of the match, Les Bleus eventually found their footing. Kylian Mbappé shifted into high gear, racing down the left flank before cutting inside to narrow the two-goal gap. However, Spain had no interest in prolonging the drama, showcasing a masterclass in control despite a balanced possession. As the entertaining French side exits the tournament, they still have a trip to Miami ahead for the bronze medal match.
Football Daily sympathizes with Didier Deschamps, who faces personal challenges beyond the pitch. This is a coach who sought to leave a lasting impression, akin to a teacher bringing out the television and snacks on the final day of class. Deschamps decided to embrace a more open style of play, a move fans had long hoped for from Gareth Southgate. The result was an exhibition of skill, featuring Michael Olise’s precise pass to Mbappé against Senegal and Ousmane Dembélé’s impressive runs against Norway. Nevertheless, France concludes this World Cup with their poorest finish since 2014, as L’Équipe handed out harsh grades: twos for Olise, Dembélé, and Lucas Digne, while Mbappé received a three. A brutal assessment 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.”
In contrast, Spain will proceed to the New York New Jersey Stadium for the GWC closing ceremony. FIFA has scheduled performances by Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and influencer IShowSpeed, aiming to capture the attention of a younger audience. Tom Cruise is also set to make an appearance, likely skydiving onto the field while riding a motorcycle with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This ceremony, distinct from the halftime show described as “a landmark celebration at the intersection of sport, music and global impact,” is expected to extend the break in play. Amid all this, a football match will unfold, orchestrated by Rodri and his teammates, captivating everyone present.
LIVE ON BIG WEBSITE
Join Rob Smyth from 5pm BST for live updates on England 1-2 Argentina (aet) in the GWC semi-finals.
This Thursday evening, catch Max Rushden, Barry Glendenning, John Brewin, Barney Ronay, and Jonathan Wilson broadcasting live from their sold-out event at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City. Tickets for the livestream are available.
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 nice and calm. Oh wait. “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 (from yesterday’s Football Daily letters)? While I love the Carbon Footprint World Cup, I’d like to propose the WTFWC. It’s already begun with discussions of a 64-team tournament. But it will take much more to surpass the GWC. It kicked off with the suspension of Cristiano Ronaldo’s ban, the awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize, and the trophy display 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 could top it,” – Steve Mintz.
I don’t understand why Gianni Infantino doesn’t fully embrace his World Cup expansion idea and simply eliminate the whole qualification process, allowing any country that wants to participate. This would save two years of international matches that disrupt domestic leagues worldwide. It might even be a net gain for emissions as well. Think about it, Gianni!” – Adrian Riley.
Mr. Infantino’s definitely missing an opportunity. Why not go all out and have two World Cups; one, let’s call it the World Cup, for the top teams, and another, let’s refer to it as The Rest of the World Cup, for everyone else. There could also be a third option called the World Vase, for teams eliminated from The Rest of the World Cup, giving them a chance to redeem themselves. This model is virtually endless,” – Brian Saffer.
If you have any thoughts, please send letters to the.boss@. Today’s letter of the day goes to … Brian Saffer. Terms and conditions for our competitions, when we run them, are here.
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