After France’s victory over Morocco on Wednesday, the dream final was set in the World Cup. It’s France vs Argentina, Mbappe vs Messi. Sure, maybe not a dream final for those Croatian and Moroccan fans, or for that matter, any of the countries that thought they had a shot and came up short; I’m not counting the US in that group, right or wrong. But for us soccer fans that get serious about this sport once every four years, hey, it couldn’t be better.
Everybody knows Messi. I don’t care if you watch soccer or not, you know Messi. We knew Messi. Being a lefty moves him that much more up the list for my son. Argentina was the first team we watched in this World Cup, at 4am a few weeks ago, when they took on Saudi Arabia. Yes, we were in to it, up at the crack of dawn, to see Messi score on a penalty kick to give Argentina a 1-0 lead. The game turned out to be totally opposite of what everyone expected from that point on, as Saudi Arabia scored two magnificent goals to hand Argentina an L in their first game. I guess that’s kind of like being down 3-1 in a best of seven series; one more loss and Argentina was gone. That would have been surprising, even for us casual fans, and for sure disappointing to see a megastar get sent home early. Well, have no fear; Argentina would beat Mexico and Poland to punch their ticket. Australia was next in the knock out round, followed by an epic match with the Netherlands. I happened to catch a replay of that one late Sunday night. When I had left it when the match was actually happening, Argentina was up 2-0; game over, right? Well, the Netherlands would go on to score 2 late goals to send it to extra time, and eventually, penalty kicks. Insane. Messi again would help lead Argentina to victory, making a penalty early in the game, and at the end. It was crazy, seeing the stadium packed with Argentina fans, looking like Cubs fans in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, when the Netherlands tied it up… praying when it went to penalty kicks. Their prayers were answered. A victory over Croatia, with another Messi penalty goal, a beautiful assist, and a crazy run by another one of the guys, has sent them to the last game of this World Cup. Considering Messi’s age, and the fact that he has never won one, makes it clear for me who to root for. I just have to figure out what they’re doing with their hands in the stands… we’ve been mimicking it at home.
Mbappe… I knew of him; I didn’t realize he was THIS good. And France, yes, the defending World Cup champions, are really impressive. They won their 2nd World Cup in their history back in 2018. To go back to back though??? Italy did it in 1934 & 1938; Brazil did it in 1958-1962… that’s it. They have a really good chance; it won’t be easy though. But Mbappe, yeah, young kid last time around, still only 23 this time around; if he keeps this up, he can be one of the best, maybe to ever do it. Up there in Pele and Maradona territory? I’m out of my expertise a bit here, but to start at the age he did, he’ll be doing it for a long time potentially. Add multiple World Cups, and??? I see him on the cover of video games; my son wants a jersey of his. He is a star, no doubt. When you match up two mega stars like him and Messi, kind of like Magic vs Michael back in 1991, it draws a lot of attention, as if the World Cup championship game that comes around every 4 years isn’t enough.
Well, we’ll actually be in church during the game; probably will record it… try not to hear who won? I don’t know, maybe. My son was looking to get out of church to stay home and watch the game. Bears Super Bowl? Yeah, I’m with you. But… we’re definitely interested in the result of the Final game, against these two great countries, these two great stars. It’s been a fun ride World Cup. After Sunday’s match, we’ll see you in 4 years, maybe in person, since it’ll be in North America. That would be really cool. Go Argentina!
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