This can’t be almost done, can it? It feels like just yesterday we had a fresh tournament, clean and blank, nothing but 32 teams and possibilities. Four teams now remain, and we are clinging to these last beautiful moments of the 2018 World Cup. But we are due for some beautiful moments. The final four teams are richly deserving. France has been the most talented team of the tournament, notching signature wins over tough opponents Argentina and Uruguay, looking mighty — if a bit safe — in the process. They’ll take on Belgium, the wildly entertaining (perhaps too much so) side which throws caution to the wind against everyone and is trying to score beautiful goals at every opportunity. On the other side there is England, young, fresh and fun England (who thought we’d ever say those words?), scoring goals and being led beautifully by Gareth Southgate. They’ll take on Croatia, led by Luke Modric — perhaps the player of the tournament. There are only four matches left in this World Cup. Let’s cherish all of them.
The 2018 World Cup, by the numbers
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty ImagesAs the FIFA World Cup builds up to the final this Sunday, we must also take this moment to freak out about the fact that it’s ending. The past month has been totally brilliant and totally nerve-racking and I am not ready to say goodbye. What am I supposed to do when this thing is over? Talk to people? Go outside? I won’t have it.
But here, let us look back on this beautiful tournament, and appreciate some of the numbers that helped us make sense of the whole thing.
Read Article >Croatia is not the smallest country to ever make a World Cup final ... but it’s close
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty ImagesCroatia advanced to the 2018 World Cup final by beating England 2-1 in extra time on Wednesday, and will now face France on Sunday for the biggest trophy in international soccer.
It’s an incredible achievement for Croatia, not only because of the results they needed to get there, which wow, there were some incredible results, but because they were able to do so being a country that’s pretty dang small.
Read Article >Belgium finally lived up to the hype for their ‘golden generation’
Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty ImagesIt’s a tricky gig, being a World Cup Dark Horse. There’s a lot to balance.
A team has to be dangerous, but cannot be overwhelmingly favoured. They must be interesting without being too obvious. They have to make a splash in the tournament: purr through the groups, perhaps, or knock out somebody big. But they probably shouldn’t win the thing. That would just be embarrassing.
Read Article >France turn in excellent all-around performance, beat Belgium to make World Cup final
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty ImagesWhat was once a wide open game got quite a bit tighter once France went ahead. With a litany of superb defensive players at his disposal, Didier Deschamps shut up shop following Samuel Umtiti’s goal, and Belgium’s chances dried up quickly. Eden Hazard will be left wondering if he could have done better with any of the excellent opportunities he had to score in the first half.
Even though he didn’t score or assist on the day, Kylian Mbappe was the story of the game. He dazzled with flicks, tricks and stunning sprints past defenders, though none of his teammates could finish off his passes.
Read Article >Kylian Mbappé just had a pass so good I’m hyperventilating
Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty ImagesFrance are currently leading Belgium, 1-0, in the World Cup semifinal, thanks to a headed goal from Samuel Umtiti off a corner kick.
That’s all well and good and important. But what’s more important is we discuss this pass that was just made by 19-year-old Kylian Mbappé, which is one of the more incredible things I’ve ever seen in my life and has me hyperventilating at my desk.
Read Article >11 thoughts on the race for the World Cup Golden Boot
Photo by Alex Morton/Getty ImagesWith four teams left in the 2018 World Cup, each with two games to play, it’s time to take a look at the competition within the competition: the Golden Boot for top goalscorer. One player will join the immortal brotherhood that includes such historic names as Just Fontaine, Miroslav Klose, and everybody’s favorite itinerant crisp salesman, Gary Lineker.
Harry Kane leads the way with six, two ahead of Romelu Lukaku. But who will win? Let’s speculate wildly!
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