Nadal v. Del Potro

While the world, including those that were in the stadium just hours before, turned their attention to England coming home without the trophy, the best sporting event was taking place before our eyes. On Center Court in Wimbledon, two stars put on a show worthy of a final. Rafael Nadal’s win over Juan Martin del Potro was tennis ecstasy, with a setting eerily reminiscent to the Greatest Match Ever Played (Nadal d. Federer) ten years prior – the match ended under similarly dimming twilight, and both matches took the same 4:48 to complete. While even Nadal mentioned in his post-match presser that it was not a final, you could not be faulted for considering otherwise. That high was the quality of the match, including a dramatic, pulsating fifth set featuring multiple large men splayed all over Center Court. It ended with Nadal on top, but ended more fittingly with Nadal and Del Potro embracing.

For Del Potro, this was the latest confirmation of his ultimate comeback, hopefully one that begets sustained health and success. Behind Federer’s and Nadal’s resurgence the last year-and-a-half, quietly Juan Martin del Potro has done the same, the longest sustained period of success for him since his first wrist injury in 2010. He was always the ‘what-if?’ of the last ten years in tennis, but interspersed throughout his various injuries have been some fantastic matches that he has taken part in, and this is just the latest one. Sadly, Del Potro has lost most of those, but arguably no player is able to gain as much love, support and additional legacy points in defeat as Del Potro.

Shockingly, though, this might be more meaningful for Nadal. His woes at Wimbledon the last six years were well documented, never making it to the Quarterfinals, losing four straight years to players ranked 100+ (admittedly, one was a young Nick Kyrgios). What made it more shocking was the six years before that, he made the final all five times he played the event, winning twice. Yes, Nadal went six years making five finals, and followed it with six years of flameouts. He often said he had not forgotten how to play grass. That just last year he felt he was ready to do great things before losing 18-16 in the 5^th set to Gilles Muller. It was getting hard to believe him though. When you pull back, Del Potro, despite all injuries and pain, had made the Wimbledon Semifinals more recently than Nadal, doing so in 2013. For Nadal, six years of horror are over.

The match itself was played at an insane level from both players – each had well more winners than errors (Nadal nearly 2:1). Del Potro’s forehand was firing on point the entire match, and his backhand showing a level of power we haven’t seen in a while. Nadal himself continues to pound that backhand, being able to redirect with depth many times over. Nadal had his usual ridiculous gets, hopping around Center Court the way he used to. Del Potro caught a second wind in the 5^th set, tracking down Nadal’s repeated drop-shots, especially during a dramatic, 12-minute war that was the game with Nadal serving up 4-3.

Nadal’s performance was so interesting, turning to grass court tactics more than ever before, like the drop-shots (doubly effective with the low bounce), perfectly carving them time and time again, and volleying excellently. The match had a scary level at times, one that drew back Del Potro’s win over Nadal in the Rio 2016 Olympics. What was interesting was Nadal was answering power with power. In most of the great Nadal wins, we picture him running down ridiculous shots and hitting incredible passing shots or sharp angles. He did that here too, but also just overpowered Del Potro at times, penetrating the court in a way he’s been able to do so well everywhere but Wimbledon.

When the match ended, with Del Potro flung out on the floor for one last time, Nadal hopped the net and embraced Del Potro in a sense that even seemed more meaningful and emotional than most for Nadal. There is a lot of respect, not just between the two players in isolation, but in what each brought that day. There had to be a loser, but in reality there are two winners. In reality, there were millions of winners: each and every person who watched the match. It was a special contest, everything we could have hoped for. Even as a Nadal fan, I would have been 100% fine if he had lost to Del Potro. I never thought I would see Nadal in a pressurized, second week, Wimbledon match against a top player again. We got that, and we got five sets, nearly five hours, and hundreds of thunderous points of it, and it was all glorious.

2018 World Cup Semifinals Review

Player of the Semifinals: Hugo Lloris

Belgium vs. France easily could have been a higher scoring game, with a frenetic pace in the first 30 minutes with multiple close calls, and quality saves throughout. Hugo Lloris pitched a clean sheet with multiple great saves stopping Belgium the few times they mustered any real potent attack. In a World Cup that had great goal-keeping throughout, he continues to be exemplary.

Runner-Up: Mario Mandzukic || There’s no one hero for Croatia, but symbolically let’s give it to the elder statesman who has worked so hard for a goal the entire tournament, getting the biggest one in his country’s history. It was somewhat a broken play, but that is what a great striker does, be in position to capitalize on broken plays. When an opportunity presented himself, he banged it home and ruined a nation’s hearts which is always great.

Goat of the Semifinals: England’s Midfield

Croatia was always going to win the battle of midfields, but I never expected it to be so one-sided, particularly in England’s time on the ball, the midfield was a disaster. Jordan Henderson went missing, not able to make any statement in the game through Croatia’s press. Delle Alli was disappointing, so were the others. Bigger issue is Southgate did not even reactively change up to add an additional body, with England almost capitulating the middle third. England was always driven by its back line and set pieces, but when they needed some strength in the middle, it was nowhere to be found.

Runner-Up:  Romelu Lukaku || Belgium as a team had a few different players disappoint, but I’ll give it to Lukaku who went missing. He had an excellent start to the tournament, but got progressively worse in the quarterfinal and semifinal, and was able to get maybe a couple half chances and could do nothing with them. Belgium as a whole felt a bit flat (more on it in a second), and the worst offender was the big man up top.

Surprise of the Semifinals: Croatia’s Endurance

Croatia surprised everyone by being the livelier team against Russia when playing their 2^nd straight 120-minute game. Of course, so was Russia. This time against England, it was even more shocking to see Croatia get stronger as the game wore on. It will be doubly surprising if it holds up against France, who has played a whole game of time less and has an extra day of rest, but I wouldn’t put it past them. Croatia’s players just don’t seem to tire. They seemed better against England than even when playing Russia.

Runner-Up: People not hammering Olivier Giroud || It helps that they are in the final, and maybe the negative reaction comes if they lose to Croatia, but I have been impressed that the general commenteriat has mostly not harped on the fact Giroud hasn’t scored yet. He’s held up play really well. He was an asset on defense tracking back well against Belgium. He’s been a workhorse like the rest of the team. Giroud is not along for the ride, he has been an integral part of the team despite not scoring. And I’m so happy people have largely credited him for this, and not just focused on the ‘0’ by the Goals column in his stat-sheet.

Disappointment of the Semifinals: Belgium’s plodding

Again, Belgium was just so uninspired after a good first 20-30 minutes. The whole second half France ceded possession and Croatia could do little with it. Hazard was great, but De Bruyne disappointed, the backline struggled, players like Chadli and Vertongen who were great coming forward in earlier games did nothing. They weren’t played off the pitch, but the lack of creativity to slice through France, however strong they may be, was surprising given Belgium’s success in previous rounds. If this was the best chance their Golden Generation will have, it is a sad way for it to finish.

Runner-Up: England tiring || Again, why was England so fatigued against a team that had to play back-to-back 120 minute matches. England basically conserved energy sleepwalking through the Sweden game, and looked like they were the ones who had finished a grueling game against Russia. Their strategy basically devolved to long ball after long ball to tired frontline players who were meek in traffic. England is not a great team, one that got here basically because they could execute set plays staggeringly well, but I wanted a better showing than that.

2018 World Cup Quarterfinal Review

Player of the Quarterfinals: Luka Modric

Yes, Modric got exceedingly lucky on his penalty. It was a good shot, but Akinfeev guessed right and got a palm to it, but happened to hit it off hte post and in. That said, prior to that moment, Modric was brilliant. While everyone else played extra time at half speed, lugging for breath every second, Modric was flying around the field. He was masterful, moving from spot to spot, distributing perfectly, and in some cases putting on the jets and running by Russian defenders. Just a great performance by someone finally getting his due.

Runner-Up: Raphael Varane || This is a nod in honor of France's defense as a whole, a unit that snuffed out any chance that Uruguay had. Varane was great as usual on defense, with a good sense of positioning and even better command in the air. Of course, his beautiful header was what clinched it - a perfect, powerful shot that emulated what his captain at Real Madrid does so often.


Goat of the Quarterfinals: Neymar

There's no huge goat, so we'll go with the 'best player' remaining who was fairly absent throughout that loss. He had a few moments, including a couple close shouts late, but while the rest of the team was throwing caution to the wind, and putting together chance after chance, Neymar was too often slowing things down and losing one-on-one runs. He's still a great player, and his scoring rate for Brazil is impeccable, but this was a disappointing finish.

Runner-Up: No Idea || Honestly, no one was truly awful. I guess I could say Fernando Muslera for bungling the shot that ended up as France's second goal, but I don't think Uruguay was coming back anyway.


Surprise of the Week: Russia's Heart

Look there are things we can't just put aside with Russia at the moment, with all the 'they helped Trump steal the election' of it all. That all said, Russia the team, Russia the people, Russia the fans, they have all been great. Watching that Russian team that had no expectations put so much effort into these games was amazing. Seeing them score the tying goal with three minutes to go was heart-stopping. Seeing their emotion after the game was beautiful. Seeing the Russian fans sing their hearts out during the game and after was incredible. In the end, they lost where they should, but I won't forget how fun it was to root for Russia, even if we all still want to hate RUSSIA.

Runner-Up: Belgium's Sense to Counter || Belgium is arguably the most talented team left (the only argument is the team they are playing on Tuesday - man that Semifinal should be great). They have so many players who are great on the ball. But they played smart against Brazil, letting the Selecao hold the ball, and wait for their moment. Countering is deadly when you have the players who can do it, and Belgium's ability on the break is second to none (or one, in France).


Disappointment of the Week: Uruguay's Sad End

It was somewhat inevitable when Edinson Cavani went down that Uruguay would not be long for this world, but still, what a way for their Golden Generation to go out. Uruguay played this entire tournament with so much passion, and their ruthless style worked again, to the tune of four straight wins before the loss to France. In the end, they aren't as talented, but for a tiny country in South America, making the Semifinals, Round of 16 and Quaterfinals in three straight World Cups is pretty amazing. That said, for them to have no answers was a bit sad. I wish Suarez put one in, even if I hate him during the club season. I wish Godin had one last header. I wish Cavani could play. I wish, or rather I hope, Uruguay can manage to push this even further in a post-Suarez/Cavani/Godin world.

Runner-Up: Sweden's Slow End || Sweden is not a great team. Sweden was the worst team (host-team Russia aside) in the quarterfinals; that is why England wanted that half of the draw so bad. That said, they looked overmatched in that game. They were so disappointing in their lame, porous performance. Sweden lacked any urgency, any drive in that match. And while Pickford did make a few good saves, they didn't bother England's susceptible back line at all. Just a terrible performance.


Storyline that will be Beaten Down: It's Coming Home

Really, I'm over it. England barely beat Tunisia, then hammered poor Panama with the help of multiple penalties and fluke goals. Then depressingly more or less threw a game. Then they lucked out against Colombia, before beating the aforementioned awful Sweden. This is not a great team. They may make the final, but they'll be worthy underdogs there. They are, in my mind, underdogs here. England semifinal appearance was nice, but ultimately it should be lost in history, like Uruguay in 2010, Portugal in 2006 or Turkey in 2002.

Storyline that Should be Beaten Down: Golden Generations Uniting

I mentioned this last week, but now we are one match away from Belgium vs. Croatia, which would be the most unlikely, unexpectedly great final ever. These are not premier countries, but ones that have been good in past, and jfinally got their Golden Generations together. Belgium has been shouted for a while now, and has finally put everything together with their talent at all levels. Croatia was not so ballyhooed earlier, but the duo of Modric and Rakitic is the world's best, and their backline and goalkeeping has been incredible. Both teams are the bookies underdogs, but I really hope we get Belgium vs. Croatia and a deserving, amazing, surprising, first time winner.

2018 World Cup Round of 16 Review

Player of the Round of 16: Kylian M'Bappe

For a guy who is still just 19, M'Bappe has been around and hyped up for a while, starring for Monaco in their run to the Champions League semis last year. That game was something else though. The first goal was set-up by Mbappe literally running at a different speed than anyone else before being dragged down in the box. M'Bappe's first goal was slightly lucky, but that second was all class. We were waiting for France's stars to show up, and while Griezmann has still been noticeably quiet, M'Bappe, and Pogba as well, have stepped up to put France's true might on display.

Runner-Up: Edinson Cavani || I'ts a shame that Cavani may have to miss the Quarterfinal, because he has been fantastic all tournament, and was amazing in the Round of 16. The first goal was put on a silver platter, but his header left no doubt. The second was so fluid, so smart, going back across goal on a quick counter. Hopefully he can make a last minute recovery, because I don't want this Golden Generation of Uruguay's to end with Cavani on the bench.


Goat of the Round of 16: David DeGea

This is more a tournament-wide achievement for DeGea, who made just one true blunder - Ronaldo's second goal in the opener - but also allowed 6 of 7 shots to go in during open play, and did not save any of the penalties shot his way. DeGea also failed in playing out of the back when asked, and overall just looked a bit shook all tournament long. Against Russia, they needed one save, be it the penalty during the game, or any of the PKs, and DeGea went missing, again.

Runner-Up: Javier Mascherano || In reality, it could be anyone from Argentina's backline. They were atrocious against France, repeatedly getting caught upfield despite their lack of pace necessitating them taking a more cautious approach. Mascherano himself is emblematic of what is wrong with Argentina - they are just too old, too out of ideas, and overmatched.


Surprise of the Week: England Staying Calm

I watched this game at a pub next to a few England supporters in Montreal. There was pure agony when Yerry Mina scored in the 93rd minute. I was all ready to see them crumble, giving up the late lead before heading to PKs, a place where England has not fared well in. Yet, England rose to the occasion. Their PKs were great. Even Henderson's miss was more a great save by Ospina. Nothing shows England's new mentality more than Dier, not even someone who was slated to take a PK, calmly bang one home. I don't know what this portends for England, but it was a great mentally strong performance.

Runner-Up: Japan, in defeat || I didn't even watch Belgium vs. Japan live, assuming it would not be close, and wanting to do some daytime tourism in Montreal and not just watch World Cup during the day. Anyway, needless to say that was a bad idea. Japan was great, creating tons of chances, losing because they sent men forward trying to steal the game and got caught (similar to Real Madrid's loss in the 2017 Clasico when Messi scored and took his shirt off and held it up). That was a great performance by a lesser team. 


Disappointment of the Week: Spain's flame flickering out

Expectations for Spain should have been lowered ever Julen Lopetegui, but even then, it was disheartening to see them so souless against Russia. They retained as much possession as ever, completed over 1,000 passes, and basically did nothing with it. Tiki-taka works, but works a lot worse when you don't have incisive passers, and most of the passes are between the back four and holding midfielders. No stat was better than Isco, heretofore one of the more offensive minded players, completing ~150 passes, just 20 of them forward. Spain needs to turn the page.

Runner-Up: Mexico's energy meter running low || Mexico started the World Cup so well, but maybe we all took that game for more than it was worth due to Germany just not being as good as expected. The real issue for Mexico is their frenetic style wore them down. They showed signs of slowing down late against Korea - giving up a costly goal late, and then their awful performances against Sweden and Brazil. I went from hoping Mexico could avoid their 7th straight Round of 16 loss to expecting it fully and feeling that El Tri thoroughly deserve it.


Storyline that will be Beaten Down: The Inevitable March to Russia vs. England

We are one match away from a titanic off-the-field matchup of Russia vs England, bringing out shouts of hooliganism - something the British press tried to push as an inevitable scar for Russia 2018 and something that has not happened at all, to the political tensions between the two nations. England did not not intentionally lose to Belgium to get into the weaker half, but it paid off, and we are very close to them, or Russia, making a final. Of course, Russia has to pull another upset, this time against a more organized team, and England has to avoid a letdown.


Storyline that Should be Beaten Down: Croatia & Belgium, the rise of Europe's Secondary Teams

Football has been ruled in Europe by the Colonizing countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, England, Portugal. We may finally see the rise of two of the secondary European nations, with teams that are as dominant as any. Croatia played too nervous against Belgium, but hopefully that has subsided now. Their midfield can dominate. Their back-line is so strong. Mandzukic is a star up top. That team is having their moment, and has a fairly clear path to the Final. Belgium was touted for years with their ludicrous talent, and it is finally coming together. They are on opposite halves, and have tough games to come, but we really could be seeing the rise of a lesser European team, and I can't wait to see if it happens.


Quarterfinal Picks:

France defeats Uruguay 2-1
Brazil defeats Belgium 2-1
Croatia defeats Russia 2-0
Sweden defeats England 1-1 (on PKs)

2018 World Cup Round of 16 Picks

(A1) Uruguay vs. (B2) Portugal

I fear this game will be a long 120 minute slog, a type of game that both sides seem to want to make every game. For Portugal, it is a way to play when you have to hide the fact that the only player with much offensive creativity is Ronaldo. For Uruguay, it is somewhat the same, but also where their strengths lie with Godin, Muslera and Co. I'll go for Portugal in PKs, but can easily see this go the other way. I'll be optimistic and say each side gets a goal in the 90 minutes, but I have a harrowing feeling we're in for 0-0 - something that happened just once in the group stage.

Portugal def Uruguay 1-1 (on PKs)


(C1) France vs. (D2) Argentina

If the France we all expected to show up in this World Cup does, they should win easily. If the France that has showed up in the World Cup does, they should be favorites, but it will get tricky. To me, the best move France could make is sit back and let Argentina have the ball. Given their team, France should be deadly on the counter, especially against a slow, porous Argentina defense. Argentina also can get a bit aimless if they have possession but aren't finding space. I do think that the France we all expected to show up will do so, and get the win here, potentially big as well.

France def Argentina 3-1


(E1) Brazil vs (F2) Mexico

This should be a great game, and Mexico has a habit of playing Brazil very well (case in point the 2012 Olympics, which Brazil took seriously enough to play most of their top players). My worry is Mexico has gotten progressively worse in the tournament, and while they weren't as bad as the 3-0 score against Sweden, they looked tired. This is not a deep team, playing a collection of 15 or so guys. They run a lot and counter a lot, which is likely to happen here as well. Ultimately, I think that does it for them. They deserve better than a 7th successive Round of 16 exit, but I don't see how it doesn't happen against a Brazil team that seems to be hitting their stride.

Brazil def Mexico 2-1


(G1) Belgium vs (H2) Japan

I get why the media was so into the idea that Belgium and England would rather lose their last game than win it, to enter the ostensibly easier half of the draw. The problem with that logic, is while Belgium is on the harder half, they also have the significantly easier (to me at least) Round of 16 game. Japan has played well, but probably should not be here with Senegal here instead. Belgium has been great so far, finally playing up to their potential - I don't think it ends yet. We can start worrying about the tougher half of the draw next match.

Belgium def Japan 2-0


(B1) Spain vs (A2) Russia

I get it was fun to see Russia get humbled in their last game, but overall I've found them, and their fans, great and I do hope they put up a good show. Given that Spain hasn't impressed even in their win over Morocco, I can easily see Russia hanging with them. I do think there will be some more freedom for Spain having navitaged through the group stage. My only real hope is that Russia scores a goal; I want to see that stadium explode when they score, even if it ultimately is a fruitless effort.

Spain def Russia 2-1


(D1) Croatia vs (C2) Denmark

Croatia to me was the best team of the group stage; either them or Belgium. Their midfield can just dominate teams, and I think the same will happen against Denmark, a top heavy team who probably should not be here if Peru had even average finishing. This might be, wen you consider form of the teams, the most one-sided game we'll get.

Croatia def Denmark 2-0


(F1) Sweden vs (E2) Switzerland

I have no idea about this game. Both teams would rather be without the ball, but I do think Switzerland can do better than Sweden if forced to retain possession. Sweden will depend on set pieces and countering, but I like Switzerland's ability to limit chances and the break. To be honest, I have no idea what I'm saying, but I don't want to pick all Group Winners.

Switzerland def Sweden 1-1 (on PKs)


(H1) Colombia vs (G2) England

Part II of why the England intentionally not trying to win might have been shortsighted: Colombia is really good. They may have won all three games had they not had the (well deserved) handball four minutes into their opening game. If James misses the game, I'll probably lean slightly towards England, but even then not by much. Colombia is a great side, and I think people overreacted to England's 6-1 win that had multiple penalties, atrocious set play defending, and of course Kane's third goal that was a lucky deflection. Aside from that, they nearly drew with Tunisia and we can throw out the last gmae. I think this will be the most open game - and I think Colombia knocks England out, rendering the decision to settle for the 'weaker half' moot.

Colombia def England 3-2


If these are right, it would set-up a QF slate of:

(C1) France vs (B2) Portugal
(E1) Brazil vs (G1) Belgium
(B1) Spain vs (D1) Croatia
(E2) Switzerland vs (H1) Colombia

That would be three great games, and one not so great game, but still could set-up some mouth-watering Semifinals.

What the Hell Just Happened at the World Cup

Where to begin; where to effing begin. So much has transpired in one of the more fascinating 3rd match-days that I can remember, in what is increasingly becoming one of the better World Cups that I can remember.

Should we start with how on back to back days, Argentina and Mexico advanced to the knockout rounds despite losing one of their three group games 3-0? Or that Mexico advanced despite losing their last game 3-0? Or that Germany, a nation that let alone has never not made it out of the group stage, but has made the quarterfinals every tournament since 1954, would lose to Korea, and get knocked out.

A Zlatan-less Sweden won their group. Croatia is the only 3-0-0 team so far. France easily waltzed to a group win and no one cares. Argentina won because their left back scored a 80th minute banger with his off foot. Germany DIDNT GET OUT OF THE GROUP STAGE.

What hasn't the World Cup given us.

There's been more penalties, more own goals, and more 90+ minute scoring than any World Cup through the group stage. We can rue the amount of penalties, but all have been deserved. We can rue the own goals, but let's remember the sheer number of bangers as well. The fight for goal of the tournament (so far) is an endless list of curlers, screamers, and everything in between.

Every team has scored. South Korea scored three goals, all past the 90th minute. The fact that Spain and Portugal had to fend off challenges from Iran and Morocco to clinch their spot, and that will be largely forgotten when the story of the 2018 World Cup group stage is written, speaks to how insane it has been.

Maybe it was due to the lack of truly great performances through two match days, but it seemed more was up for grabs this time - including multiple instances where we would need to potentially go to fair play points (who has less yellow cards) to decide who wins groups. It all came to a head these last two days.

First was Argentina's escape, with Messi scoring a great goal with his off foot, waking up from his two game malaise in one sudden Messi-esque flash. Of course, we had to see Bad Argentina, with Mascherano, looking way too old for this shit, giving up a terrible penalty that should have knocked Argentina out. The stadium never stopped signing, Argentina fans never stopped believing - despite this team being one that probably just extended their life a week. Marcus Rojo, a fullback, scored a Messi-esque goal, also with his off-foot. Let it be known that for once, Messi's teammates picked him up, even if they, and especially Mascherano, conspired to almost steal it away.

And of course, that drama doesn't come close to what we just witnessed today in Group F. All Mexico needed was to draw Sweden - they lost 3-0. Had Germany won, even 1-0, they would have supplanted Mexico, and we would have our first ever team to not make the knockouts with six points. There was a time where that label could have been given to Germany too - had Germany won 1-0, and Mexico lost 2-1, Mexico was going through on goals scored. Instead, Germany never got their goal.

I switched over to the Germany game after it was 3-0 Sweden, entering blindly not understanding how Germany had yet to score against a poor South Korea team. In the end, Germany embodied the worst elements of 2002 France, 2010 Italy and 2014 Spain, other defending champs that flamed out - relying too much on tired gameplans, tired locker-rooms, and old stars past their prime. There was no creativity, no direction, ultimately Germany was not impervious to the natural cycles of the sport, and South Korea pounced.

That first goal by South Korea was dramatic live, and more dramatic through VAR, a proper utilization of a technology that has done far more good than bad to date. It corrected a true mistake, something almost impossible to notice in real time, and gave South Korea their deserved goal. The second was icing on a cake that will be devoured through the streets of El Cuidad de Mexico for days to come.

We may see some awful play tomorrow - especially with England and Belgium, two teams that arguably are better off losing; the irony being if they draw it will be decided by fair play points, so we may even see a team try to get yellow cards. Anyway, what this tournament has been so far is a breath of fresh air. The crowds have been fantastic. The games have been better. There have been so few blowouts, with basically gall games being somewhat competitive. This is what the World Cup should be. Oh yeah, and GERMANY WAS FUCKING ELIMINATED IN THE GROUP STAGE?!

The Nostalgia Diaries, Pt. 13: The 2006 World Cup Semifinal - Italy vs. Germany

This 2018 vintage of the World Cup has been great through 2.5 group stage rounds. Good games, open play, great performances by not as ballyhooed nations (Croatia, Mexico, Belgium), dramatic ones by the great players of this era in Ronaldo and Messi.

The 2014 vintage was great in teh group stage, with COMNEBOL and CONCACAF nations taking center stage in Brazil, but is ultimately sullied by a drab knockout stage, with the most memorable moments being a 7-1 laugher, and many, many penalty shootouts following plidding 120 minute games.

The 2010 vintage was a mess, beyond what economic havoc it wreaked on South Africa. It was fun, in theory, for Africa to get a World Cup, and the most memorable game from that tournament involves the end of Africa's journey, with Suarez's handball, but it was also the tournament of vuvuzelas, and Spain's ruthlessly boring style winning with back-to-back-to-back-to-back 1-0 wins.

You have to go back to 2006 to get a tournament that meets what 2018 may become. It was a special World Cup, played in Germany, featuring so many teams at the apex of their powers. You had the last Jogo Bonito Brazil team (Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, et. al.). You had a monster France team featuring Zidane's swan-song. You had a great Portugal team, with their Golden Generation coinciding with Ronaldo's breakout. You had a great Argentina team, with Golden Generation coinciding with Messi's breakout (man, what Messi would do to have a Riquelme and Crespo on his team right about now). And of course, you had Germany and Italy to top it off.

The 2006 World Cup was an interesting tournament, an intersection point between the defensive-minded era that dominated the 90's and early 00's, from AC Milan's cattenacio to Chelsea's rise under Mourinho, and the tiki-taka era that started in earnest in the 2008 Euros. There was no main style. The games were open, even, and enthralling. Rarely did one team manage 60%+ possession - it was more equitable than that. Throughout soccer loving communitites, that tournament, and the 2008 Euros that preceded it, were the last vestiges of the classic era, before Messi vs. Ronaldo and Real vs. Barca took over teh sport. And no match encapsulated this feeling than Italy's epic 2-0 win over Germany in teh Semifinal.

Much like the Brazil vs. France quarterfinal that I wrote about earlier in my Nostalgia Diary, I was in India for the Italy vs. Germany match, a true clash of the titans. It is amazing despite how many generations of players have passed through the World Cup, some matches and matchups just seem more meaningful. These were the two most decorated European teams in World Cup history. These were two football loving nations that had their own, complicated personal history. This was a special matchup, albeit unexpected.

Italy was a great team, loaded with great players at their prime, at a time when Seria A was seen as easily the equal to the Premier League and La Liga. Prime Buffon, prime Cannovaro (the last man to win the Ballon D'Or as a defenseman), prime Pirlo, prime Totti, prime everyone. Germany was not so reputed. In fact no one really expected much of them, coming off of two disastrous Euros performances in 2000 and 2004, and a mirage run to the World Cup Final in 2002. But that was all put aside as they stormed through the tournament, with a joyous verve that would come to define them over the subsequent eight years until the 2014 triumph.

The best part of that tournament is we had not one, but two, international dynasties born. The seeds of both 2008-2012 Spain and 2006-2014 Germany, were sown in that tournament. For Germany, it was the rise of Lahm, and Schweinsteiger of the bench, as Klose stamping his mark. Jurgen Klinsmann lead a team that embodied 'happy to be there' despite the usual pressures that come with being the host country.

The match was in Dortmund, home to the famous Yellow Wall, the most imposing venue in Germany, a place the German National Team had never lost. Of cousre, they had never beaten Italy in World Cup play. It wouldn't happen in this game, but through 120 thrilling minutes, there were no losers. The game, despite being 0-0 through ninety minutes, was excellent. The 30 minutes of extra time were something else.

Italy had a dreadful record in penalty shootouts; Germany had the opposite. So Italy threw caution to the wind - and Germany and Klinsmann matched them. It was up and down, with near misses, and posts hit, and great saves by both Buffon and Lehmann. The fans were supercharged in Dortmund's compact, romperous stadium. The game was incredible.

Italy won the 2006 World Cup mainly off of a defense that gave up two goals in the tournament - an own goal, and a penalty. But in the semifinal, they showed their might offensively, whether it be Pirlo, or Totti, or even Fabio Grosso.

That last name was the man who finally broke the net, in the 118th minute, off a brilliant pass from Pirlo off of a corner. It was a perfect shot, curled right by Lehmann. It broke German hearts; Allesandro Del Piero's goal three minutes later on a perfect counter ended it. Germany crumpled on the pitch - but they should have left holding their heads high.

On paper, Germany was not as good as Italy (or France, or Portugal, or even the Argentina team they knocked out in the quarterfinals, but they played with such an unreal joy at home that tournament. Germany became a dynasty after that, if one a bit light on actual hardware, but it all comes back to 2006. The last great World Cup, one dominated by truly great teams, one that may have all won the 2010 or 2014 version had they entered (though in fairness, 2010 Spain and 2014 Germany are great teams, it was more the lack of depth those years that was startling).

Italy, for their credit, played a more open style than they too are accustomed too. I've never seen a team so openly not want to go to penalties, and in doing so abandoning any sense of structure and foundation, and throw so many bodies forward. It was a great watch, if endlessly nerve-wracking. By the end, Dortmund left in tears, though with the Germany Anthem being sung out through it. The Italians continued on to the Final - a game that probably merits its own post. And the football watching public got the benefit of a truly special night between two truly special football nations.

On Messi and the Woes of Pressure

As someone who's rooted for Peyton Manning, seen what happens when everyone puts a team result and a team championship up as a guidepost to judge an individual, you would think I would naturally feel bad for Lionel Messi, seen today hapless and helpless while Croatia danced around them, and potentially knocked them out of the World Cup.

Then again, as a Real Madrid fan, you would think I would take joy in Messi's performance, especially when contrasted with Ronaldo taking a fairly anonymous Portugal unit to the brink of advancing.

As with many things, there are more nuances, more factors to consider. And in that way, I'm both relieved at the number of people that blame everyone on Argentina except for Lionel Messi, to the coach who switches tactics just as often as he switches clothes, to the comic defending, to the goalie who pulled a Vanderjagt, to the guys slotted on the bench for no reason, and also disheartened to see so many people look past Messi's own desolate attempt.

It is absolutely true that Argentina's team has no plan, seemingly. That Sampioali has somewhat neutered them by keeping a lot of their more talented players on the bench is definitely a factor. But what is also absolutely true is Messi has been less than through two games. He had a penalty to win the first game, and missed. He plodded around the field today against Croatia, doing little with the few times he did get the ball, often spraying passes, only having 2-3 of his patented runs, which generally all ended with a short pass or losing the ball. That Lionel Messi is not good enough. And we have to ne objective.

Peyton Manning was afwul against the Jets in the 2002 playoffs. He was terrible against the Patriots the next year in the AFC Championship Game. He was dreadful against teh Colts in their 2014 Divisional Round loss. The rest of his team was similarly bad in each game, fumbling the ball, snapping the ball over punters heads, giving up return TDs. But Peyton was also bad, and he got criticized. This is no different.

The worst part for me was the lengths even Argentina was going to defend Messi's lackluster, uninspired game. The coach after the game said that the state of the Argentina was clouding Messi's brilliance, and that 'this isn't the time for Messi/Ronaldo' comparisons. That is pathetic to see from the head coach.

Argentina may well advance, though if Iceland beat Nigeria it becomes exceedingly tough. But even if they don't these two games are a mark against Messi for sure, at least as much as Ronaldo's off performances in 2014 when Portugal was bounced in the group stage. The team is not good, but let's not say it is terrible. This lackluster Argentina is still better on paper than Iceland (and Nigeria). This is not some Egypt like team where Salah literally has no help. This is not that. This is on Argentina's football association, Coach Sampiaoli, the players not named Messi, but Messi as well.

The Top 50 QBs of All Time: #18 - Jim Kelly

#18 - Jim Kelly

Jim Kelly had a weird career, he's remembered for being innovative, the QB of the NFL's second modern offense. In a way, all current offenses are combinations of the West Coast Offense, and the no-huddle. Things have been molded and adapted, but the no-huddle influence really stemmed from Kelly and the Bills. Jim Kelly, though, is also remembered for losing, but not in a bad way. No, there is no QB who's career is remembered more fondly for failing. In that way, Jim Kelly has led a blessed life. He's the one QB who was so bad at winning the Super Bowl, people realized just how good you have to be to get there.

We must remember that despite their 'high flying' reputation, the Bills were the tallest midget, or the thinnest kid at fat camp. The NFL in the early-90's was at a new offensive valley. The 80's were a rebellion to the dead-ball era of the 70's, and the 90's was defense getting its revenge. The Bills were the best offense, but that was still a team that ran the ball more than half the time. Jim Kelly never threw for 4,000 yards. He never threw the ball 500 times in a season. Part of this was due to him missing 1-3 games in many seasons, but his numbers look more like a 'game manager' in the 2000s, but that goes to the era he played in.

We don't mentally think that the early 90's need to be looked at a little more closely when judging passing statistics, but they must. Kelly's career 60.1% completion percentage, his four year stretch with an 89.6 passer rating, these are impressive numbers. Kelly played in Buffalo, let's remember as well. Compared to his peers, Kelly was a consistent 10-30% better than the average QB, which in the NFL was a lot.

Jim Kelly got the luxury of having Andre Reed, but it was definitely more the other way around in retrospect. He also took control of an offense with a mediocre offensive line, that played in Buffalo, and made it something special. The Bills was 13, 13, 11 and 12 games in his prime, and for his career, Jim Kelly was 101-59, basically averaging 10 wins a year for a franchise that has gotten to 10 wins just twice since he left. We must also remember that Jim Kelly is missing a good 3-4 years of his career due to his playing in the USFL first.

Jim Kelly was one of the people that legitimized the USFL, along with Steve Young, and while Young outclassed him, Young also had the better versions of everything Kelly did. Young had the best WR of all time, instead of a guy who probably doesn't deserve he Hall of Fame nod he got. Young had the best offensive system, instead of the second best. Steve Young was better, but circumstance and situation elevated him and supressed Kelly.

What Jim Kelly also did was throw deep, going against the natural trend of the league to embrace the West Coast Offense and go shorter and shorter. Kelly did not rely on YAC, he relied on his own brilliant right arm, and the players around him. Of course, he never did win a Super Bowl though.

Again, Kelly, and the Buffalo Bills in general, are the one team to largely escape criticism for not winning a Super Bowl. That's what happens when you do something no one else has - get to four in a row. Jim Kelly probably should have won that first one. Obviously, if Scott Norwood hits a field goal he does. Is his legacy any worse because his kicker missed a kick? No, as it should be. He's just lucky to be the one guy where that is the case.

Jim Kelly was a great QB who ran an innovative offense, but more than that, he's a symbol and a reminder to the more analytically-inclined NFL fans. He's a reminder that the early-90's shared far more similarities to the 1970's than it does the 2000s, and he's also a reminder that there is hope that a QB can be judged not by the hardware on his fingers, but the brilliance of the footballs that spun out of them.

The Top 50 QBs of All Time: #19 - Terry Bradshaw

#19 - Terry Bradshaw

Terry Bradshaw can continue to count his rings, all four of them, and tell people and have them listen, that he is one of the best QBs of all time. He would have a point. Not because he has four Super Bowl rings, tied with Joe Montana and Tom Brady for most all time. No, but because he was actually a key cog in a Steelers machine that was surprisingly good on offense for much of their run. Yes, Bradshaw was surrounded by more talent than maybe any player ever, from coaching staff, to defense, to receivers, but Bradshaw was a more important part of that machine than people who deried him for being a 'winner' remember, and less than people who praise him.

Terry Bradshaw was plainly not a good QB for a long stretch of time, starting from his rookie season when he threw 24 INTs to just 6 TDs. No matter of converting from dead-ball era stats would change that. Up through 1974, the Steelers first Super Bowl season, Bradshaw was a plainly bad QB riding the wave of the Steel Curtain. However, something changed in 1975, not only with Bradshaw but with the team. The Steelers ranked in scoring offense from 1975-1979 fifth, fifth, seventh, fifth and first. The defense remained good, but the Steelers that won the last three Super Bowls were more than just the Steel Curtain, they were an offense as well.

If we cut out the initial growing pain of that early Bradshaw, the same player who was nearly benched for Joe Gilliam, Bradshaw looks like quite a respectable statistical marvel. He averaged 21 TDs to 17 INTs between 1975-1981, with a y/a of 7.7. These weren't the best stats of those days, but the Steelers offense was a high risk proposition, throwing deep than most teams of that era. Bradshaw had the help of two future Hall of Famers, but neither player is one of the better WRs in the Hall of Fame - yes, neither Lynn Swann or John Stallworth were ever that great. Bradshaw raised his game in those years, putting up seasons that would equal that of Staubach and Stabler, playing in a tougher environment, in a division where passing was suppressed due to weather and cookie-cutter stadiums with horrific turf fields.

I've put it off for long enough, let's just get to that playoff and Super Bowl career. Much like Troy Aikman, another QB who is both overrated and underrated by his Super Bowl rings depending on how people view those things, Terry Bradshaw did seem to raise his game in the playoffs. The Steelers threw more in the playoffs, and largely to great results. In his four Super Bowl wins, Bradshaw had passer ratings above 100, with 9 TDs and 4 INTs, In his last three Super Bowls, again in that 1975-1979 timeframe, he had a Y/A over 10. Some of that is credit to the ridiculous catches that Swann and Stallworth pulled off, but Bradshaw had some truly great performances in the playoffs.

His best may have arguably been his last, a playoff game in 1982 against Dan Fouts and the Chargers. The Steelers lost, but lost 28-31 with Bradshaw nearly out-gunning Fouts. Ol' Dan had the better game, but Bradshaw put up what would be considered a modern-day passing line, going 28-39 with 325 passes and 2 TDs. Bradshaw was the rare player who improved his stats across the board in the playoffs, with his completion percentage, yards-per-attempt, passer rating and TD-to-INT ratio all improving in January.

Therein lies the issue with Bradshaw. People who put him over try to denigrate his career for his average career passing stats (he did have an adjusted passer rating 10% above average) while shoving the Super Bowl rings aside. Those people are wrong as those playoff stats, coming in a rather sizable sample, are there. They actually happened, and Bradshaw did, by all accounts, get noticeably better in the playoffs. Of course the other side shoves away his clear issues with his overall resume and are blinded by the diamond-studded rings. Neither side is right, but neither is wrong as well.