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Key events
No doubt this is going to be a common complaint as the group stage wears on. And it really could wear on. How much World Cup is too much World Cup, ugly politics aside? We may well be about to find out.
With 3 points and a +3 goal difference the USA team are now almost guaranteed to get out of the group after 1 match played. What a farce this expanded world cup is - theres almost no jeopardy.
When Brazil take on Morocco later on, they will do so without Rodrygo. The Real Madrid winger sustained a knee injury in March which ruled him out of the World Cup, but will still be in the US to support the Seleção. Amid his recovery, he’s written about the “immense sadness” of missing the tournament and not hearing his name called by Carlo Ancelotti when the squad was announced, but also the support he has received, his pride in Brazil and his belief that the team can do something special.
Anecdotally, I think a lot of people are feeling this way. From the Iran conflict to the treatment of Omar Artan and everything in between, it’s a tournament of almost unbelievable political extremes. Then again, after Russia and Qatar, and with Saudi Arabia 2034 to come, it may be the case that this is now the rule, not the exception.
I’ve not watched any games yet. Just can’t seem to separate the politics from it. I’m sure I’ll watch a couple of games this weekend and I’m hoping that gets me into it. I love the World Cup but I think we and others should’ve boycotted it.
Looking for some extra reading? Jacob Steinberg and David Hytner have delved into the making of Declan Rice, England’s midfield powerhouse, whose performances could feasibly be the difference between success and failure at this tournament.
An optimistic prediction for Scotland here. While Haiti thrashing New Zealand 4-0 raised a few worried eyebrows, it should be noted that they lost 2-1 to Peru three days later. It’s always hard to judge a team by their warm-up matches given the wholesale changes, and Haiti do have some danger men like Duckens Nazon and Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor, but Steve Clarke’s side are still favourites.
I can't realistically see Haiti doing much. I'm fairly confident Scotland will stroll to a 2 nil win.
The chat between Max, Barry and Seb and Pablo is also available in video form, by the way. Just in case you like to see all the fancy equipment, novelty mugs and so on.
It looks like it’s been good, silly fun at Scotland House in Boston. It’s the small hours over there at the moment, but no doubt there are a few parties still going.
If you prefer your football coverage in podcast form – don’t worry, I won’t be offended – you’re in luck, as the latest episode of Football Weekly has just dropped. Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Seb Hutchinson and Pablo Iglesias Maurer to discuss the USA’s strong start, Canada’s clawed-back point against Bosnia and Scotland’s chances against Haiti later.
Any Scotland fans out there in the ether? How do you reckon things will go against Haiti? Feeling cheerful? Optimistic? Anxious? Get in touch via the email above.
Scotland’s first World Cup match since 1998 is fast approaching and, judging by the photos coming out of Boston, the fans are determined to enjoy themselves one way or another. Paul MacInnes has been taking the temperature in the city’s bars, pubs and tap rooms – nice work if you can get it – while Ewan Murray brings the sober, serious analysis. Meanwhile Bryan Armen Graham has the inside track on Haiti, who have been waiting even longer than Scotland – 52 years, to be precise – to make their comeback at the tournament.
In what feels like an enjoyably bizarre subplot from a World Cup film directed by the Coen Brothers, some enterprising individuals have stolen England’s boots. As reported by Jacob Steinberg, the Football Association will have to liaise with local police in Kansas City as it attempts to retrieve the misappropriated items. If that fails, presumably Harry Kane and co will have to take on Croatia barefoot.
A man in a tracksuit appeared holding aloft a golden ball, like some ancient deity hoisting god’s gonad on his shoulders. At which point an enormous golden Fifa sign appeared, all four letters at least 50ft high, winched down out of the ether like a vision of divine grace – if not the most ludicrous sporting spectacle of all time, then surely the most ludicrous yet.
Barney Ronay was at Los Angeles Stadium last night and, well, it might not be quite right to say he enjoyed the surreal pomp, pageantry and flag waving, but he certainly witnessed it. Here’s his take on events.
Preamble
We’re four games in and this tournament has already had it all: bombastic visuals, belting goals, dramatic comebacks, wide-eyed referees handing out red cards like sweeties, and the sort of political grotesquerie that makes tuning out seem like the last sane option. It’s the Doomscroll World Cup: you know it’s bad for you, but it feels almost impossible to look away.
After the USA’s opening stroll against Paraguay last night, Qatar take on Switzerland next up at 8pm (all times BST) before Brazil go up against Morocco at 11pm. Then it’s time for Scotland’s high-stakes match against Haiti at 2am, while Australia and Turkey face off at 5am.
In the meantime, you can follow all the buildup, latest news, scandals, controversy and geopolitical maneuvering here. As Gianni Infantino might say to the backdrop of a world in flames, chill, relax, and enjoy the show.
