ARSENAL MAN CITY ROUND 2

A game of massive proportions, massive impact, and massive influence in the title race. For the Arsenal, it was the biggest game on the fixture list. Win and you’re six points clear game in hand. Lose…well, that’s where we find the state of things after this one. Manchester City, the champions, back on top, back in the driver’s seat. The title race is on!!

This match was a true tale of two halves. A tale of ferocity, guile, and bravery. The Arsenal certainly gave it a go with verve and passion but learned that perfection is the standard to beat the champions, to be the champions!

First Half

Arsenal certainly had the better of it in the first half. The possession was strong, typical of the men in red this season. On a couple of occasions, Arsenal was able to play in between the lines and get some impetus going for goal. The build up play was adequate and Arsenal won many of the second balls but without a clinical edge in the final third. Missed chances will come back to haunt you against this ruthless City side. Kevin DeBruyne with ice in his veins shows Eddie Nketiah how it’s done. One chance, one touch, one shot…one goal! That’s all it takes.

Pep Guardiola was in full tinker mode to open this one. The philosophy was evident in the formation with Bernardo Silva playing the hybrid midfield/left back role. The emphasis on overloading the midfield was clear. Bukayo Saka had to evade the hatchet job from Silva who perhaps could’ve been sent off in the first. The shenanigans from the City players seemed a calculated tactic to get under the skin of this young Arsenal team and it appeared to work a peach. Frustration and nerves led to some woeful finishing that would ultimately cost them dearly. The biggest takeaway from this first half is this:

When you’re on top against City you have to put them away like a wounded animal. If you don’t, you WILL regret it.

Second half

The beginning of the second half saw City improve slightly until the 60^th minute. The game was more even where they were winning a couple more second balls in the middle of the park. Akanji for Mahrez looked odd at first but it made sense when they reverted to their normal back 4. Silva was adequate trying to get sent off against Saka but was brilliant when restored to a more natural position. His influence was immense in this game not least of all for winning the ball back to begin the counter on the second goal.

Haaland had his way with Saliba and Gabriel like so many defenders before them. Flexing the muscles that only a Norse God can know, the Arsenal back line were near panic anytime the Norwegian giant came near. His goal shows his quality and his passion, while his assist on the second goal shows that he is working to be a part of the City machine. Many have purported that he brings the team down as a whole but it is clear that while they may be working to mold their tactics to his strengths, he is also learning, shaping and adjusting to the City way.

More mistakes in the midfield due to the strong press is where this game was won. The clinical way in which the one touch passing at ferocious pace after turning the ball over leads to Jack Grealish with the 4 The Badge celebration. This is a massive moment for him, I believe. A goal he needed at a time the team needed him justifies the loyalty Pep has shown. The biggest takeaway from the second half is this:

City are champions for a reason and it shows. Doesn’t matter how good their opponent is, they have what it takes, ice in the veins, 3 shots on goal, three goals, have some of that! Back to the top of the pile!

To win the title you have to be/do three things:

1. Lethal in front of goal: advantage CITY.
2. Press really well: The press was strong from both sides!
3. Keep the ball: advantage ARSENAL.

Both teams had the chance to win this game and only one took it! Now the gunners have to look at being second for the first time in months. Gut wrenching and we have to be prefect for the rest of the season. Unattainable, realistically, but that’s the standard. That’s what it will take to be champions!

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Manchester City v Arsenal Round 1

Round 1 of the best two teams in England this season is in the books. Manchester City prevail at the Etihad 1-0. A narrow game of evenly matched teams that needed Nathan Ake to pull out a silky-smooth pass into the corner pocket to decide a winner. The tactical chess match was a dream to behold and the individual battles were compelling. A learning experience for both managers that had the feel of the early rounds of a boxing match. So, what exactly did we learn?

Arsenal Lens

Arsenal will arguably be the happier of the two teams. The press against the ball in the first half was fantastic and organized. De Bruyne was blanketed and could not find the ball regularly in their build up which will certainly be a feature of future meetings between these two.

However, when City have space in the attacking third, they will punish you mercilessly. The Gunners stood up wonderfully in defense but cannot afford to let up, ever! Every time City broke through the lines, they looked dangerous.

Psychologically, losing huge would have been a terrible result for the morale. Despite wanting to win the game and progress in the cup, Arsenal have played well and only lost one-nil. This is not as damaging to the mentality as it could have been. Arteta’s men have bounced back from every set back so far, and will look to do the same at Everton.

Looking forward, they need to be honing in on just what it will take to win the next time these two giants face off. Give this City team a lead at your peril. Arsenal have shown amazing control of the ball this season but Man City are better, still the champions. The men in red chased shadows for the last 15 minutes of the game even with the introduction of the Norwegian magician, Oodegard.

The “second team” for Arsenal showed up well with a couple of notable exceptions. Vieira looked scared in possession and his focus on the defensive side of the game, where he was decent, cost him and the team going forward in the first half. The Kieran Tierney Leandro Trossard combo was effective down the left getting in behind Rico Lewis. Many Arsenal fans, including myself, will be instant Trossard fans. Tomiyasu is a stud on the other side and had a typically strong performance. Rob Holding did a job on Haaland and it taught the defense that it will take all of them to corral the god of thunder. Matty Turner also took his chance to show his quality well with decisiveness and calm in possession, despite a few wobbles. It must be said, however, that when Sambi Lokonga got an opportunity that, arguably was massively important for him individually, he failed his test. His inability to keep up with the rotating midfielders was directly at fault for City’s dominance in the first 20 minutes of the second half. He needed Zinchenko’s presence in the middle to settle down and finish out the game adequately.

The game will actually be encouraging for Arteta, at least it should be. His men can go toe to toe with his mentor’s champions. There is space to be had but only efficient, speedy lethality will suffice to take that mantle as their own.

Manchester City Lens

Pep Guardiola should be happy with the win and the progression in the cup. It shows that the mentality is still there and of course, it was a great opportunity to learn about their quarry in the league this season. Arsenal’s press is smothering but when City won the second ball in moments where Haaland was able to hold up play well and keep possession, they were dangerous.

Arsenal are good at passing through the press but sloppiness from being rushed can creep into their game. That’s how they have been punished at times this season. Matt Turner looked capable of a mistake and Ramsdale (whom will no doubt play in February) has also had to hold his hand up once or twice in the campaign.

Finding the space behind Partey is the key to unlocking them in possession. Get in those pockets and get their defenders running towards their own goal. Grealish or Mahrez can pull their guys in close and the ball is on to the open man. Quick passes to open the back post ball gave them fits more than once in the game.

Once the lead is achieved, make them chase forever with the impetus on possession and less on scoring more. Get the goal and City could sit on it for three straight 90 minutes the way they held onto the ball in the end. Could be risky but is certainly an option that works.

They will bring the same press in February. KDB will have an influence on the game then because there is time to figure out how to get him on the ball more. When the press is too good, the ball over the top to Haaland can be used but the second ball is paramount. This could be risky but winning the second ball is dangerously effective. Saka is the weaker of the wingers against the ball and so attacking Ben White could be useful despite there being more space on the other side. Shut down the space for Oodegard to work in and don’t let him have the ball and you can make them chase for long periods. These tactical subtleties just might be the blueprint.

Psychologically, this does give the dressing room a boost. City are still the champions, still have the discipline and prowess to win, no matter what is going on. Still the champs and clear favorites to win the FA Cup! This could be the perfect tool to galvanize the team off the back of Guardiola’s comments in recent days. No reason to panic in the league, they can beat Arsenal both times and hunt them down in the table. This was a champion’s like performance against a team flying too close to the sun perhaps…

The first round goes to Pep and to the men in blue. Manchester City have the psychological advantage of already having beaten Arsenal once but Round 2 looms just around the corner…

Who’d Be A Manager?

How much control of the match does a manager actually have? At what point does the constant pressure leveled at premier league bosses shift to the players themselves? The coach isn’t the one out there on the pitch, once that whistle blows, it’s 11 v 11. The managers can influence things but they can’t do the actual running, do the actual pressing, can’t tap home the winning goal as much as some try. In the premier league, all of the pressure and onus is on the man at the helm when it comes time to be held accountable. The worst that happens to the player for bad performances is being benched. That paycheck is still coming on Friday even if you make one League Cup appearance all season and sit the bench the rest of the time. Players don’t get fired, don’t get sacked.

Doesn’t seem too fair, does it?

            Unfortunately, this isn’t the participation league and fairness isn’t the way of the world; not how it works in the toughest league on the planet. The questions are always leveled at the coaching position which has become the easiest role to turn over at any club. However, I would argue that there are times when the level of performance has to come under scrutiny. In spite of the differences any player’s particular style may have with any particular coach, you still have to go out with pride and play 4 The Badge. Even, as we have seen on a few occasions, if the players have no respect for the manager whatsoever, the players are still under contract, still getting paid obscene money to play a game.

If a new manager took over at the burger shack, the employees would be expected to adjust to the new regime and perform as instructed. Why is this not the same at the highest level of soccer? These guys signed contracts to play for the club, so when they aren’t fulfilling these contracts with horrible performances on the field, it feels really dirty for the manager to face the firing squad in their stead.

            A team needs unity, needs to be more than a one man show, more than a bunch of disparate narcissists running in the same direction but not anywhere near to being together. That includes the manager who should be the one leading the way. Some examples of managers not being respected by players could be cited but I would then have to ask about those same players’ professionalism. They have a responsibility to the club, to the contract, and most of all, to the fans who support the club week in and week out. Long losing streaks and back-to-back poor performances have many reasons (or excuses depending on your angle) for occurring but not all of it should be down to the manager. If the team doesn’t enjoy the formation or the tactics it can be an uncomfortable situation but responsibility and pride as a professional and a footballer should come to the forefront. There are still games to played, games to be won and at least some of that responsibility has to fall on the players themselves.

            That being said, managers today should know exactly what they are getting into. The nature of this game is not hidden in shadow. High profile appointments at high profile clubs come with massive amounts of pressure. It comes with having to manage the monster egos we know come with being a top professional player. Its inevitable, the way these men are worshipped, for them to have inflated opinions of themselves, the rest of us do. Just look at Cruyff, Maradona, Ronaldo, etc. The manager has to be able to balance a lot of these top names and somehow keep everyone happy with only 11 slots a game, not to mention actually being successful out on the pitch.

So, when a manager signs a contract, they invite this pressure, invite the stakes and have to know what they are getting into. The leader of any group, team, or organization will always be the one scrutinized when results are poor. The manager has to be the glue that holds the team together, has to be the tactician that gives the team the opportunity to win, has to be the man that demands respect and motivates the troops.

It starts at the top.

            The top, as we all know, doesn’t always mean the manager. Even the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger had to have a working relationship with owners and members of the controlling hierarchy at the club. The role is multi-faceted with a million ways to screw up and only one way to please the masses. Even when a coach, by all appearances, is simply a figurehead, there remains a measure of culpability or credit (depending on success) especially in the eyes of the fans. The BBC recently released an article wherein Graham Potter, current Chelsea manager, was quoted saying “I’ve no idea in terms of how its happened,” speaking about the hijacking of Mykhailo Mudryk by Todd Boehly and co. These statements followed a much needed 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge for the Blues over Crystal Palace. Its clear for anyone who looks more than once at the situation to see that Potter is not the tip top of the Chelsea iceberg, as he should be.

            That begs the question that I assume all Chelsea fans yearn for an answer to: How does Potter morph this wild, tumultuous saga of eye raising event after surprise inducing headline after directionless cash splashing into a winning team? How do all of these pieces fit into some semblance of the quality the fans deserve from such a high-profile club? They won the Champions League two seasons ago for God’s sake! With everything going on off the pitch, it has become all too clear that there is only one way out, only one way for everything to be ok, for all the noise and drama to fade into the background. Even the fiercest fans and staunchest detractors of Potter (or any manager for that matter) cannot argue with results.

The win vs Palace is massive. Yes, the fact that he has no idea what the powers that be at the club are up to is a glaring issue citing a dangerous disconnect that could prove all too costly (as it has done so far, seemingly) but each win relieves that little bit more pressure. The post-match presser was telling, his relief was palpable as was that of the Chelsea faithful. The one thing he does seem to have going for him is the backing of the owner and this salvation shines a light on just how difficult it is to be a manager at the top level. A myriad of factors swirl around the main man’s head perpetually hovering above the chopping block and this one thread has been his only bastion of security but a win is a win is a win and that’s all he has to do to turn the entire situation back to an even keel and a positive direction. Ha, just win? That’s all, huh?

So, does the manager really have control? Does any one person truly have to shoulder the entire blame for poor performance? Likewise, does all the credit go down to one man for a run of positive results?

I think not but it leaves us with the very real query of: who’d be a manager?

MOMENTS

December 20th, 2022

            Magic. Nothing short of heart stirring magic. That’s what we wanted and that’s what we got. This World Cup has brought the world literally every conceivable thing possible. Controversy, heartbreak, turmoil, yes but joy as well. For those who love this game can only be grateful to have witnessed one of the best tournaments in our lifetime. Some of the greatest ever on display with the goat himself at the forefront. The dreams, the time, the energy, the spirit, the life we give to this game the world loves all comes together for a month of magical, wonderful, incredible, inspiring, beautiful moments. Every football fan ever, yes even French ones, had to smile to see Messi lift the cup for this is the culmination of any football lover’s dream. The shiny star on top of a sterling career, a true moment of immortal magic.

            The tournament draws to a close and I am saddened by this but couldn’t be more grateful for such a wonderful celebration of soccer. There were goals, goals, and more goals. There was heart, there was energy, there was passion. The fans showed up and the noise level was astounding. The spirit behind all of the teams was a joy to see. So much history was made at this tournament from records of longevity to debutants and team achievements. A tournament of surprises, twists and turns. A tournament of moments.

            As an American and a USMNT fan I was not disappointed in the performance from the men in the stars and stripes. As always when we grace the World Cup, it was a wild and dramatic ride. Yes, we could’ve used some more lethality in front of net but the performances we showed on the grandest stage made me proud. Tactical inexperience both on the field and in the technical area cost us in the end but our opposition approached games against the US with caution and a tactical plan rather than the simple belief that we’re better than you and you cannot do anything about it. We had top players playing in the top leagues and our quality was on display. Tyler Adams is an absolute stalwart in that midfield and I love that he had the armband and I hope he has that for many years to come. After missing out for 8.5 long years, it warmed my heart and made me proud that we had such an inspiring performance on the world’s biggest stage and made sure everyone was sure we would be back, bigger, better and stronger as hosts in four years’ time. And of course, in spite of what Captain America may say about not having had his Landon Donovan moment, the sacrifice and willingness to put it all on the line 4 The Badge is an unforgettable moment that will go down in US Soccer legend!!!

            As hosts go, their team wasn’t great but their tournament was certainly enjoyable. Enner Valencia put on a show and Senegal were really fun to watch. Their fans showed heart and their team, spirit. The Dutch seemed uninspired at best, I thought, but were strong against the States. Until their moment came against Argentina and what a moment it was?! The well worked free kick to 1 two punch em and tie the match had me standing in my living room hands on head in disbelief and awe. England’s run was inspiring and I did cheer for them, at least when they weren’t playing the USA. I do so enjoy seeing Bukayo Saka getting his moment and scoring some goals, of course. Kane’s moment will be one to forget, unfortunately, and again while it is objectively sad, tribalism rules in the premier league! I thought the Iranians made the best of a bad situation amidst one of the more tumultuous campaigns and should be proud of their showing. What a moment it was to stun Wales with late, late, late goals in a cup with lots of additional time. Speaking of the dragons, just their presence was cause for celebration as the last game they played in the World Cup was against Pele.

            Robert Lewandowski nearly had me in tears after his first World Cup goal and I’m quite certain my reaction would’ve been the same. Memo! Memo! Memo! What a legend the Mexican goalkeeper is, saving a pen in his fifth World Cup; another history maker. An enormous sky blue and white feather in the caps of the team from Saudi Arabia (to go with their Rols’) who will forever be able to say, “We beat the champions the year Messi won the cup!” How did their coach know the Argentines would go on to lift the trophy? The French run was full of so many moments its hard to count them all. Mbappe had 8 of them, and Olivier Giroud cements his legendary status at the top of the goal scorer’s sheet. Antoine Griezman had a shout at the Golden Ball of the entire tournament but again…it’s the margins where they fell just short, the moments they will want to forget. Australia didn’t even expect to be there, let alone advance from the group! The scenes down under when they went through brought tears to my eyes, the joy and the euphoria drew me in. I wanted to be there so bad. The spirit and fight in the Tunisia players were nothing short of amazing! Three minutes into the match and your slide tackle elicits goal celebrations and brings joy to the hearts of millions everywhere. A last tournament for Christian Eriksen perhaps? This was not, unfortunately, to be the moment for any of the Danes in underwhelming show across their games.

            Japanese fans had more than their share of rapturous moments from cleaning the stadiums to the ball that wasn’t out of bounds, or was, or wasn’t……Spain’s young guns came out flying with a bang but this, their best moment, came way too early for the Spanish. The moment for the Germans certainly wasn’t one anyone wants to remember but Barcelona will pay for it next season! Costa Rica were the roller coaster of the tournament and their win over Japan absolutely shocked the world!! Belgium’s moment is another to forget but I doubt Romelu Lukaku will ever forget his five chances in as many misses, I mean minutes. What a moment for the Canadians!!! How many years and they were back!!! Luka Modric’s last cup is sad but he is a legend forevermore and Croatia prove once again their mettle. Morocco! Morocco! Morocco! What a story! What a sport! What a game! Pick your moment in this historic run!!! First African nation in the semifinals is something to tell the grandkids, a moment to be proud of!!

            The Brazilians entertained but unfortunately for Neymar their most memorable moment saw him never even get the chance to take a penalty as they crashed out. A sad end to a wonderful international career. The Swiss played some intricate stuff, not least of all the possibly the best team goal of the tournament and good ol’ hothead Granit Xhaka managed to keep his head… well, sort of. What a wonderful story for Cameroon! First African team to beat Brazil in how long?! Tough tourney for the Serbians but too many moments passed them by. Ronaldo’s last World Cup moment was tough to see and overshadowed by their opponents. One of the greats to be sure but, forgive me, it felt like just desserts for a Portugal side that left you with a poor taste in your mouth. South Korea was nothing short of inspiring and a joy to watch! A 90^th minute winner to send them through to the next round?! Who’s writing this stuff?! Uruguay and Ghana actually shared their most poignant moment as the Ghanaians got a small manner of revenge on their villain, pulling them down out of the tournament with them. Uruguay didn’t cover themselves in any glory and the scenes in the end are best left untouched.

            What a moment in time this past month has been?! I know I have been inspired, awed, shocked, surprised, and many more emotions on this roller coaster of a tournament. A tournament of moments with a fitting end. Messi finally got his moment and we all feel like we were on the journey with him. A beautiful conclusion to a beautiful tournament of the world’s game on the world’s stage. To Messi, and to this sport which I love so dear, for this moment, I thank you!

The Biggest Game Ever

December 17th, 2022

What a tournament it has been! What wonderful moments filled with passion, controversy, and triumph. When the tournament gets to this stage there is always drama! Always moments to boil the blood, to stir the spirit and to cement eternal glory! The semifinals of the World Cup! The biggest game of all of their lives. It is so interesting and exciting to think about how each game in succession in this tournament is the biggest game of these players lives! The first game of the tournament, then the next and then the third group stage game where the real drama begins. Teams begin to go home, filter out, and fall short. Thus, these are the beginnings of the real biggest games of careers. Even though some have made it this far in the tournament before, advancing here, now, today makes the next one bigger than the last. An interesting phenomenon, even for someone like Messi, who has played on this stage in games hugely important, this point is the culmination of everything they have ever worked for. The next one is the biggest game of all of their lives.

            The semifinal! Argentina and the magic man up against the great endurance men! Croatia have always shown up to major tournaments since they began competing in them after gaining independence in 1991. However, it seemed that this match was simply one too many for them. Having never beaten a knockout opponent in the World Cup in 90 mins since the 98 tournament, it seemed that the only way to defeat the goat would be another shootout. Messi and co had other ideas. Again, the biggest game of all of their lives since its Messi’s last opportunity, probably Mordric’s last opportunity, and Messi showed up in a big way. That’s what it has to be on this stage, your heroes showing up when it matters most. Now, the game itself was one of total dominance. The midfield three for Croatia, their strength, were not at their usual heights but I thought that the midfield approach from Argentina was executed to perfection. Modric and co had lots of trouble retaining the ball like usual and Messi was able to work with impunity. Yes, the penalty was controversial but there were two other goals in this game. The defending when compared to the rest of the tournament was awful on the second goal and one of the best defenders in this tournament fell prey, like so many before him, to the wonder and skill that Messi still has. This was Messi’s game and what makes the difference for me as he compares to other players is how good those around him look. He makes others better; he makes the team better and you can see that the rest of them recognize that. There’s a unity and a drive there that makes them incredibly difficult to defeat. They deserved such a resounding win on the day and they will have nothing but confidence going into the final where they will face their toughest challenge yet.

            Morocco were fan favorites, of course, coming into their first ever semifinal! The first ever African team to even make a semifinal! What a run! What a story! What a cup! This is the magic of the World Cup! What pedigree have these players found with their performances? We witnessed some of these Moroccan players literally change their lives on the international stage! I wonder what contracts are, even now, in the works for some of these stalwarts!? I absolutely loved seeing the Moroccan side go for it against the champions in the undoubtably biggest game of any of their lives! No fear, they tried to play through France’s midfield! They stuck to their game, their plan and were unafraid of the might that the French juggernaut have in bunches. Despite giving the early goal, they fought like warriors, battled like champions. This is why I love the game so much! These guys are my 4 The Badge team of the tournament without question! Absolute heroes who refuse to lay down and die had to be put down by a superior team! This wasn’t a case of France did this or France did that or Morocco got this wrong…No! This was a case of a better team simply doing what they needed to do to win the game. It was a difficult and tough match for the French, all credit to them of course for the win, but I stand and applaud the wonder and the magic that Morocco brought to this tournament. Heroes, one and all, they should leave Qatar with their heads held high! History makers! Giants who have cemented their name into World Cup lore and will forever be remembered. Names that will inspire and bring warm memories not just to Moroccan fans but to fans of the beautiful game for years to come!!!

The Joys and Heartaches of the Knockout Stage

December 12th, 2022

The quarterfinals of this wondrous tournament have come and gone and produced some glorious action. The excitement and heart-pumping thrills and dramatics have been nothing short of amazing. I am, once again, extremely grateful to be able to witness such. There is a magic produced by these games that is unparalleled in the world of sport. There isn’t anything quite like playing for the badge and the flag in such pressure filled, incredible occasions. There isn’t anything quite like watching it, either!

            Argentina came into the Netherlands game feeling confident, flying high off the back of Messi’s first goal beyond the group stage of a World Cup. The Dutch were likewise inspired by their own successes so far in the tournament. Despite a stout display by the men in orange, they found themselves down by two goals and in trouble. Leaving the controversy to the those more interested in drama than sport, we’ll leave my opinions of the referee at the door although it has to be said that any Argentine complaints over the man’s performance are farcical at best, bordering hypocritical at worst. There was definite World Cup magic in the air, however, as the Dutch stormed back late on. Their first goal certainly shook the Albiceleste and led to their being bamboozled with the last kick of regulation. We’ve seen a fair few set pieces of a tactical and unusual nature but none more effective than the cheeky pass just inside the wall. The finish was cool and instinctive and stunned everyone, including me. I stood up in my living room as the Spanish commentator emptied his lungs screaming “gooooooooooooool” for who knows how long. It was a wonderful moment, an astounding moment, an unforgettable come back to live long in World Cup memory. However, the dream finish to a dramatic story was not to be. The unimaginable pressure of a World Cup penalty shootout is a litmus test that sorts out the champions from the pretenders.

            Would be champions Brazil learned this lesson in painful fashion against the men from the small nation of Croatia. This competition has yet another wonderful feature of colliding contrasting styles of this wonderful game we all love. Clearly on display in the Brazil v Croatia match, I found this one an absolute joy to watch. It surprised me. The Croatian tenacity surprised me just as much as it did the Brazilians. I thought that quite apart from the team defending and tactics; the individual defending in one v one situations was superb from the Europeans. I am of the opinion that the greatest of teams can approach the game with a “we’re here and we’re gonna win” attitude such that they can respond to anything against the ball and simply do their own thing with it and no one can stop them. This is how France approach the game, this is how Argentina approach the game, its how Brazil themselves approach the match…and its how Croatia approach the game as well. The endurance men know they can outlast anyone, they can defend against anyone and when their backline is breached, they have the next gear to go into to handle business. Give a goal in overtime? No problem, we’ll pull one back and win the shootout! The experience of Brozovic, Kovacic, and of course Modric in the center of this team is invaluable. This is no more evidenced by the fact that Modric stepped up for the first penalty in clear contrast with Neymar, who wanted to shoot last. Was this because he wanted to be the hero where Modric wanted to be the example? Or was it a simpler tactical decision to have the best anchoring the line? Regardless, it was a damning decision from the Brazilians and the endurance men roll on to their next marathon.

            Morocco! Morocco! Morocco! Everyone loves an underdog story, especially one making history as Morocco become the first ever African nation to compete in a World Cup semifinal! Not unlike their Croatian counterparts, this Cinderella story has been built on superb defending and being calm under pressure. Yes, Spain’s penalties were worse than my beer league team but the victory over Portugal dispelled any notions that Morocco don’t deserve everything they’ve achieved. I knew going into this one that Portugal would be frustrated but I didn’t think they would resort to flopping and diving and their best con artistry so early in this match. Morocco were comfortable for the entire first half with the Portuguese tactics of trying to spread the game out to find the space. Simple. Keep the ball in front of you, that’s really all it was. They upped the pressure in the second half sure, but I felt that Ronaldo was less than impactful in the second and most of the men in white were more focused on tumbling to the ground than trying to win the game fairly. To say I was disgusted by the Iberian team is the understatement of the tournament but I’d rather focus on the Moroccan dream!!! Love to see this run and the pure bliss there are enjoying at the moment and its even more of a bonus that they are 100 percent value for everything they have achieved at this tournament off the back of a defense that has only been breached by one of their own and no one else!!!!!

            France v England. Two absolute powerhouses of history and tradition. That’s to say nothing of their prowess at the World Cup! This one lived up to the hype and more! The English defense surprised me the most in this matchup as I thought it would take lots and lots of goals to defeat the French. However, the chance was there to be had due, once again, to the stoutness of the British defense. I thought that they approached the game tactically brave but it was necessary if they were to go toe to toe with Mbappe and co. I knew the French had goals but what a strike from the most unexpected source! Touchmeni with an absolute laser beam!!!! It goes without saying the Oliver Giroud is a machine and a legend. A wise coach of mine once said (just the once!): “near post runs score goals!” and I imagine that Giroud took this to heart. A true out and out striker’s striker and a champion to boot. His counterpart in the other penalty box, however, will be wishing he channeled some of that champion spirit. Life is about moments, the World Cup comes down to moments, entire careers………Something in the back of my mind told me that Kane might not convert again. I posed the question of who was the most sure penalty taker left in the tournament during the last podcast and this man was my answer. The shot that’s still sailing high over Lloris’ bar shocked me, shocked him, shocked everyone in the stadium, in the world. The Arsenal fan in me shouted with glee but it was sad to see England go out in such a manner. They never looked like recovering from the gut punch of missing a sure thing but it did prove to me that France just have too much. Even if Kane scores there, I expect the result would be the same. The trophy is theirs for a reason; its still theirs to lose for that very same reason…

            The semis are set!!! The endurance men vs the GOAT and the juggernaut vs the upstarts!!!! Even with so little of the tournament yet to be played, I know there is still plenty more wonder and magic in store for those who love this beautiful game!

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A World Cup to Inspire

Dec. 5^th, 2022

            Dreams. Collective dreams, individual dreams, life-long dreams and the quest for eternal glory! Some find themselves lucky for their first attempt at summiting sport’s highest mountain. Others stare down their final shot at a certain place in history. The hallowed halls of euphoric destiny only filled by the few who dared to reach for the stars spur us on to heights unknown, to lengths we didn’t know we could aspire to when first we kicked a ball. This is the joy, the inspiration, the hope of millions and it all comes down to one month, one tournament, one game.

            This sentiment is clear to see in the desert of Qatar on all the faces of all the players. Just watch them as they sing the national anthem of their nation. The tears roll as dreams are realized. How many daydreams are brought out of the mind and take place right before our very eyes. There is a magic, a feeling that comes from this tournament that is unparalleled and can be achieved nowhere else. It’s clear to see in the stadiums, it’s clear to see amongst the fans, it’s clear to see in the passion and fervor on the pitch. That’s why the globe comes together for the World Cup. To share in this magic, in the joy and heartbreak, in the passion and the love of a game shared by all in every corner of the planet.

            As for the US Men’s National Team, the roller coaster of emotion was nothing short of everything I had hoped it would be. As a soccer fan and lover of the game, I could not be prouder of the effort and the work the boys put in to make it to such a high level. Not only to make it but to be respected as equals and as a team who deserved to be there on the world’s grandest stage. Unlike in the past, there were lofty expectations heading into this tournament. Perhaps not of eventual victory over the world but more so of competition. While the sport back home is still a far cry from some of the greater leagues in the world, it’s not so far behind as some would believe. Every time we go to a World Cup and show our progress, the globe takes just a bit more notice.

            First up was a Wales side that were in dreamland themselves. How would the youth of America match up against the wizened dragon? It was a beautiful sight to behold as we went toe to toe with the Welsh. USA controlled the first half but our weaknesses were likewise exposed. Being on the largest stage is unforgiving in its very nature and it was proof that all the work and dedication, the years of toil and effort only afford you the opportunity to be there. It certainly doesn’t mean you will automatically triumph over those who have given just as much as you have to earn their same chance at eternal glory.

            This display set the world on notice, and England’s approach to our second match was sure evidence of such. A defensive set up that allowed us possession proved that it wasn’t enough to just show up and win over the Americans. Despite yet again showing the need of a lethality in front of goal, the scoreless draw was another moment of inspiration to the incredibly young side. A moment where everyone involved with the team, fans included, could be proud and encouraged but there was work yet to be done.

            A win, and nothing less, was required. Everything that every man on the squad had worked for over their entire lives came down to one game, one moment to lift a nation. It must be noted the controversy and political upheaval back home in Iran that our third opponents were facing could not have been easy to deal with. And yet, they put on a proud display in a match that was one of pure heart and determination. Pure will and grit was needed to see the ball over the line for Pulisic. How many times did our coaches tell us to run all the way to the line, to give every ounce of effort to be there on the end of the pass? That spirit was embodied in the sacrifice on display, the strength of all of us supporting back home to get on the end of the pass and see us through. What jubilation and euphoria at such an incredible moment, a moment that will be remembered forever.

            A wise man once said “football is a humbler” and this quote rings quite true to my ears. Flying high into the round of 16, our confidence soaring at having earned the respect of the footballing world, it seemed our inexperience was our downfall. A tactically simple yet effective gameplan from the Dutch proved too much for the young Americans to adjust to. A brave performance, an energetic performance; yet a game we don’t want to remember and one we cannot and should not ever forget. Only by learning through this chastening experience can we return four years hence as hosts and impress on the world’s stage once again!

            The World Cup is a journey, an adventure with a story to tell. The tale of this edition has been nothing short of remarkable. A memorable tournament to be sure. The magic and wonder of the world’s game on the world’s stage. A gift to those who know and love this sport; inspiration for all.