The Empire(VAR) Strikes Again in Denmark 1 Australia 1
Soccer’s a reflection of the world. We are turning important decision making power to the Robots. Drive-less cars, refrigerators ordering food Online. What next? Police will upload their evidence to the Cloud and a Robot Judge will decide the verdict? What about “Beyond reasonable doubt”? Back to football. The VAR is about absolutes. Yes, the Danish Olson did handle the ball. The rule is clear – Penalty. But, did he intentionally handle the ball, or did it deflect off the Australian player onto his outstretched arm? And even if a penalty was justified why let the game progress for many seconds before calling on the VAR? What if Denmark scored on a counter attack? As you can tell the Soccer purists are ticked off. Referees who used to be the final arbiter on the pitch will now become extra cautious not to be overruled by the VAR as it will affect their career. The next statistic will be what referee was overruled the most time? It certainly will impact their judgement. Football and the World Cup are not a video game.
Back to football. “The Aussies are awesome” is a good summary. They were playing even or better with the Danes in all aspects of the game and maybe even more dangerous. Clearly the more physical and athletic. On a Good Better Best Denmark is Better mainly due to Erickson and Schmeichel. In the end 1:1 is a fair result for both teams. This is a summary of the 21st match of the 21st World Cup on the 21st of June.
France are through in a tough match against Peru out 1:0
Whenever a new rule change like the VAR comes into play, soccer strategists find ways to take exploit the rule to their advantage. Players are now trying to trigger a VAR review with theatrics and “Square” hand signs on questionable fouls waved off be the referee. Pierre Luigi, please don’t let VAR become a 12th player on a team. Pay attention to Kylian Mbappee. At 19 he is on his way to Messihood or Ronaldohood. This was a good hard-fought end to end football as it is meant to be. Peru showed their grit in the second half looking for the tying goal having the better of the play and coming close with a ferocious shot that glanced of the French crossbar. Interesting that 50% of all goals scored so far in the World Cup came from set pieces.
Do cry for me Argentina!!! 0 Croatia 3
Just before the kick-off I wrote that: Sampaoli (Argentina’s manager) will have to resign or be fired if Argentina loses or ties today, for leaving Dybala. Higuain and Di Maria on the bench. Sure enough Argentina fell to the so far best team in the tournament – Croatia. Aguero was a non-factor and Messi had no service and no chances to do anything. The first goal, another Karius mistake by Caballero this time no concussion just stupid mistake by a second-rate goaltender. Modric goal (the man of the tournament so far) sealed Argentina’s fate. There goes my pre- tournament prediction. Before it started I could see Messi hoisting the trophy – no more! But on after the first Croatia win a few days ago I did write: Watch out for Croatia – They Came to Play, so I didn’t lose it altogether.
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