July 4, 2018
A Baker Dozen Reflection on the 2018 World Cup-So far
There are no matches today (and tomorrow) at the 2018 World Cup. The Quarter Finals begin in two days and this may be a perfect time to reflect on what we have observed thus far in this exciting competition. We offer a Baker Dozen!
1. Russia silenced the critics
No matter what you think, read and know about how Russia won the hosting of the 2018 World Cup you cannot but admit that it did a fabulous job. All media reports praise the friendly hospitality, orderly celebrations, great facilities and community atmosphere in the stands during match opening ceremonies and the match itself. The stands may not always be full but always cheerfully buoyant.
2. Unintended consequences of VAR must be eliminated for the good of the game
For a deeper dive on the VAR consequences read our analysis on:
Virtual Assistant Referee (“VAR”) The 12th Player – Swipe Left or Swipe Right?
We recommend a simple solution: The on-field referee at his/her own discretion will decide on whether, or not to use the VAR to confirm his/her own call. If not called upon by the referee the VAR will remain silent. Maybe with a twist where the team managers (not the players on the field) have one challenge per half on disallowed goals or on awarding a penalty kick. This will eliminate the unintended consequences, player manipulation (diving), game interruptions, indiscretion on video evidence (not always what you see is what happened), the amount of penalty kicks awarded for fear of the wrath of the VAR and media etc., etc.
3. African and Asian football needs more development.
A record representation from Asia and Africa (9 teams incl. Australia or 30%) is a clear indication of major progress. Yet, possibly, except for World Cup veterans Japan and South Korea the rest, except maybe Senegal did not rise to challenge European and South American supremacy. Stay tuned as this World Cup made these nations proud and resolved to accelerate the development of the game organically (not like China by buying retired superstars for $$$)
4. Spanish Tiki Taka needs an overhaul or a Plan B.
On paper Spain fielded the most talent and experience in almost every position. Yet it succumbed to the Russian Iron Curtain defense. This was a classical exposure of the Tiki Taka. Beautiful can be boring, Patience does not always pay, Diversification is a virtue (if plan A doesn’t work where is plan B?) and Parking the Bus may not be nice but could be highly effective. Barca can afford to do it with their MSN (Messi, Suarez Neymar and now Coutinho) but at the National level it’s a different story.
5. What happened to mighty Germany?
This will be debated in Germany for a long time and the Germans are going to fix it much quicker than the Spaniards. Germany clearly needs a world class striker next time around. You could hardly fault them for their play up and down the field. Could it have been arrogance (no. 1 FIFA ranking) or complacency or was there something in the dressing room? Germany is not in decline despite what the statistics would show. The only surprise is that Joachim Lowe, who has done Germany proud for so long, did not resign in shame.
6. English football needs a rethink and a plan
The mother land of the beautiful game, England may still go further in this World Cup if not on merit than on resolve. But if the game against Colombia was any indication it must do a hell of a lot better. The Kick and Run style is history and the reliance on one super striker (Harry Kane) has already demonstrated failure (Messi, Ronaldo). England better consider bringing in a “foreign” manager/ strategist to mold this young and talented crop of English footballers into a winning combination. Finally, a personal rant: Why do both Mourinho at Manchester United and Southgate with England leave the talent of Rashford on the bench. Rashford is not Mbappe (yet) but has the potential to be one.
7. The single superstar can do little without help from his team and/or manager
If anything, the early exit of Argentina and Portugal may have affirmed the fact that the sum of the team is greater than the talent of the individual. Messi can carry Barca on his shoulders with the Iniesta(s) and Ramos behind and Suarez and Coutinho beside. Same for Ronaldo with Real Madrid. As Germany has proven you cannot do without a superstar striker but a superstar striker alone is not enough. Maybe France with (Greizman, Mbappe and Giroud or Uruguay with Godin, Suarez and Cavani and of course Brazil were Neymar can rely on the Coutinho(s), Firmino(s) Marcelo(s) to do his thing.
8. Home court advantage does have effect. Russia punching above its weight
This theory has been debunked in the 2014 World Cup when Brazil was humiliated by Germany 1:7. But it seems to work for Russia. Maybe it is the subtle clue from Putin who attended their opening game, or the excited Russian supporters or the sheer determination to prove that being ranked 70 by FIFA is not a predictor when your entire nation is watching.
9. Brazil still has it and it is the Jogo Bonito
Say what you want, and except for Neymar’s (unnecessary) theatrics, the Brazilian style of play, whether, or not they win the World Cup, reigns supreme. A wonderful combination of eleven exceptionally skilled, talented and having fun and pleasant on the eye yet effective for results. Jogo Bonito.
10. The golden generation of Croatia may go further than you think
For consistency, effectiveness and clever football under the field marshalling of Luca Modric (an Iniesta re-incarnation) Croatia may still go a long way. They call them the “Golden Age” with layers like Modric, Rakitic, Mandzukic, Kovatic,all coming from elite European clubs and clicking as a team they may still reach for gold.
11. The Next Generation Superstar has been discovered.
In 1958 the world was introduced to the 17 years old Edson Arantes do Nascimento better known as Pele’ and the rest is history. With Messi and Ronaldo at 30+ and in the twilight of their historic careers a star is born. Ladies and Gentlemen remember the name Kylian Mbappe of France. It is not for the 3 goals that he created or scored against Argentina. Any football maven will certainly conclude that he has got it all: Youth, Exuberance, Skill, Speed, Vision you name it and only 19. Years from now you will be able to say “I watched him when he was introduced to the World Cup stage.
12. Canada embraces the World Cup and potentially the awareness and love for the game.
The combination of the wall-to-wall TV coverage of each, and every game with replays for people who still have, to work for a living has been a sign of a serious commitment unlike in previous years and with other sports. Soccer has arrived in Canada? Hopefully and not only for us immigrants from the “old country” but to young kids who do play soccer, like soccer and watch soccer to get in on the ground floor of a Canadian soccer culture and tradition. We’ve got a long way to go but we may be off to a good start.
13. The World Cup is doing a lot of good for diverse communities in Toronto
With all the troubling news about shooting and stabbing in Toronto lately it is still heartwarming to strike a spontaneous football chat, as I did wearing an England jersey sitting next to a gentleman and his daughter wearing Colombia jerseys on the Subway. Football or as we prefer Soccer is a Global game played in 202 countries around the world and if, and when it becomes a staple in Canada it will prove to be one of the unifying catalysts in bringing Toronto’s diverse communities together. FC Toronto winning the MLS last year is a clear proof of concept. Let’s do everything to make it to the next world Cup.
Leave a Reply