2018 World Cup Outcast Overview — Semi-Finals— The Generation Game
The final is set. Two teams collide for a chance at glory. Maybe not the two teams a lot of people wanted, but my William Hill account appreciates it nonetheless. But who, how, and why did they get there?
Well France met Belgium in a hella clash where Courtois made 83 saves and Lloris made one, and it was better than all of his counterparts. France took the tie 1–0 and a young set of players are on the verge of greatness. Whatever happens, the risk Deschamps took is paying off; especially since we are one game from calling France des champs.
Belgium were unfortunate. Their team has been straight fire this tournament, and it’s kinda hard to say where they went wrong… So I won’t, because I can’t. It could have been either side, and France were on the side of luck this eve. However, both sides have a generation to come roaring back with next time… Sans perhaps Fellaini… But who knows…?
The next game saw England meet Croatia to find the real wild card finalist. But is it so wild that Croatia made the final after a 2–1 victory? On the surface, yes, but realistically, no. This crop of Croatian company has been threatening to come good since Euro 2008 where they were harshly and dramatically seen off by Turkey in the Quarter-Finals. This will likely be the final tournament for the remainders of that group, and they have built a unit around the likes of Modric and Rakitic, and now, the boot fits and could be about to pay for itself.
England were riding high on their way to the semi-final, luck seemed to be on their side, Bobby’s (both Moore and Charlton) were smiling, and all seemed set for a repeat of ’66, but right at the death, unlike France, a young pride of lions didn’t bare their teeth and roar. These cubs will be back with full manes, but right now, they can leave as a pride, with pride.
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Belgium and England will contest for bronze, but come Sunday, the gold medal will be given to a gaggle of youngsters that have gelled through systems far superior than even a decade ago, or to a clan from a country not even 30 full of players pushing it themselves. First chance vs. Last chance? Wunderkid vs. Grandmaster? We’ll have to see.
Oh, and obviously Belgium vs. France gets the match of the round. The other one was too heartbreaking.
Keep it streets ahead,
CLR
