WORLD CUP 2018: France-Belgium Semifinal
The Dilemma of Sportswriting
Was that a fun quarterfinal round or what? France-Uruguay was fun to watch, although it never really looked like Uruguay was in the game. France clearly was the better side. How different would this game have been if Cavani had been available?
The fireworks in the 69th minute were interesting. Mbappé deserved his yellow card for embellishment. Rodríguez deserved yellow for his role in the scuffle as well. Now…why in the world did Diego Godín escape punishment?!??? He started the whole thing!!!! He stormed over to the prone Mbappé and angrily grabbed his arm while screaming at him. That doesn’t deserve at least a yellow? A good argument could be made for red! If that occurs immediately, I guarantee you the situation would not have escalated to the point that it did. I like Néstor Pitana as a referee – he has done a great job, overall – but he could have handled this situation much better.
Brazil-Belgium was also fun. Belgium looked to be in control until Renato Augusto’s goal changed EVERYTHING. After that, the Brazilian comeback attempt was furious. Thibault Courtois made the save of the tournament when he got to Neymar’s shot in the 94th minute.[1] If Neymar scores there, it could have completely deflated the Belgians and given Brazil the momentum going into extra time.
Now, for today’s semi-final…
I am torn. Truly torn. I predicted at the beginning of the knockout round that Belgium would win this game. But now that it’s here… AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry. Lost myself for a moment. Belgium has so many weapons. They have outstanding tactics. They are well-coached. But – so is France. Plus, I’M A FRANCE SUPPORTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The dilemma of sports-writing! My heart or my head? Hmmmmm…
My Head: This game will be neck-and-neck. Neither team has a weakness. They are clones of each other. It will come down to luck. I picked Belgium at the beginning of the knockout phase, so I’m sticking to my guns. Belgium wins in penalty kicks.
My heart: This France team is on quite a magical run. This feels like their year. What a ride it has been. It will continue today, the anniversary of the infamous 2006 Final. Although it can’t undo that game…or erase the painful memory…or do anything to help French fans get over it,[2] it will certainly give them (us) something to feel good about. France wins an epic clash, 3-2.
Call me a flip-flopper if you want, but I don’t care. I must write my true thoughts. Until next time…
Tuesday, July 10, 2018, 10:30 am MST
[1] Not only was the save unbelievable, but despite his talent, there is no way he makes that save if he is any shorter. He’s 6’6” (or 6’5”, depending on whom you ask) with long arms. That shot was going top corner. Truly amazing.
[2] I will never get over that game. Ever. The image of my all-time favorite player’s career ending in disgrace – and walking by the trophy on his way to the dressing room – will haunt me forever.
