World Cup Saturday Morning Musings #1

The first game today is Qatar v Switzerland at Noon Pacific. That means I can sleep in, get some errands done, and be ready for the marathon ahead.

We’ve seen the three hosts play with mixed results. What do we think of their performance so far?

MÉXICO

The 2-0 win against South Africa was the first opening game win ever for México. It puts them in first place in the group on goal difference after South Korea beat Czechia 2-1. The game finished with 9 South Africans and 10 Mexicans on the field.

It was a good result but not great. They could have and probably should have scored more goals. However, considering how things shook out, it’s not bad at all. Grade: B+

CANADÁ

They dominated both Bosnia AND Herzegovina but were unlucky to fall behind on an unexpected BIH goal. They kept fighting and ultimately got rewarded with an equalizer. That was that and the game ended in a 1-1 tie.

The Toronto and DFO crowd was fully behind the Canadiens, but must have left frustrated by the lack of scoring. At least they didn’t lose, but they will need to do much better than that against tougher competition in Switzerland. Qualification is most definitely in doubt at this point. Grade: C

US of A

As I write this, it’s 3-0 early in the second half with a fourth more likely than a descuento. Needless to say, this has been a very good performance. UPDATE: it’s now 3-1 and one more and it’s Nervous Time at the Great Western Forum-Adjacent.

UPDATE 2: The US adds one with the last play of the game. 4-1 is the final score. All I have to say is that I think I have a shot with Katy Perry because she has REALLY SHITTY taste in men. Grade: A

OTHERS

South Korea adjusted very well after getting destroyed in the air against the taller Czechs. That was a HUGE win for them. They will likely beat South Africa and the game against México could decide the group.

For their part, Czechia had to feel like they let a golden opportunity slip away. The Mexicans are not as short as the Koreans, so that advantage will be diminished. They could potentially advance as a third place team, but they will need to thrash South Africa.

South Africa is fucked after getting two red cards in the first game. I’m not sure they have a lot of depth. Bosnia is in a good position in their group for now pending how badly Switzerland thrashes Qatar today. If Bosnia can beat Qatar, they are guaranteed to advance as at least a third place team.

What are you doing to get ready for the games today?

GET TO COMMENTING!