We know half the equation for both the final and the third-place match. Today, the narrative-rich match between Argentina and England will fill in who plays Spain and who plays France.
Je suis triste.
I've made my love for France pretty clear throughout the World Cup, so Tuesday was gut-wrenching. Spain brought a particularly constrictive, stultifying defense to the party in Arlington, won a PK when Lamine Yamal took advantage of a Lucas Digne lapse, and then scored Pedro Porro one of the best-set-up goals of this (or maybe any other World Cup), effectively cruising to a 2-0 win.
From appearances, Spain looks the prohibitive favorite heading into Sunday's final, playing whoever emerges from today's Argentina-England semifinal. My hunch is that Argentina finds a way, but no matter what happens, we know three things for sure:
The third-place match on Saturday will actually be compelling! It will either feature the 2022 finalists or a rivalry dating back centuries.
This was official once Argentina beat Switzerland on Saturday night: We will not get a ninth World Cup champion this time around. All three teams remaining in the field have won at least one, with two of the three attempting to get a second star.
Cabo Verde may end up having the best performance, scoreline-wise and vibes-wise, of any of the teams playing Spain.
Only three matches left in the tournament ... but MLS is back! (We'll have more about that tomorrow, including whatever we can learn about Austin FC's match against Charlotte FC taking place later today.)
Round of 32
Sunday, June 28
Canada 1, South Africa 0
Monday, June 29
Brazil 2, Japan 1
Paraguay 1(4), Germany 1(3)
Morocco 1(3), Netherlands 1(2)
Tuesday, June 30
Norway 2, Côte d'Ivoire1
France 3, Sweden 0
Mexico 2, Ecuador 0
Wednesday, July 1
England 2, DR Congo 1
Belgium 3, Senegal 2
United States2, Bosnia and Herzegovina 0
Thursday, July 2
Spain 3, Austria 0
Portugal 2, Croatia 1
Switzerland 2, Algeria 0
Friday, July 3
Argentina 3, Cabo Verde 2
Colombia 1, Ghana 0
Egypt 1(4), Australia 1(2)
Round of 16
Saturday, July 4
Morocco 3, Canada 0
France 1, Paraguay 0
Sunday, July 5
Norway 2, Brazil 1
England 3, Mexico 2
Monday, July 6
Spain 1, Portugal 0
Belgium 4, United States 1
Tuesday, July 7
Argentina 3, Egypt 2
Switzerland 0(4), Colombia 0(3)
Quarterfinals
Thursday, July 9
France 2, Morocco 0
Friday, July 10
Spain 2, Belgium 1
Saturday, July 11
England 2, Norway 1
Argentina 3, Switzerland 1
Semifinals
Tuesday, July 14
Spain 2, France0
Wednesday, July 15
England vs. Argentina, 2 pm, Atlanta
Third-place match
Saturday, July 18
France vs. Argentina-England loser, 4 pm, Miami Gardens, Fla.
Final
Sunday, July 19
Spain vs. Argentina-England winner, 2 pm, East Rutherford, N.J.
Where to watch
With heavy thunderstorms in the forecast today, a trip inside is likely in order. I'd expect Haymaker (2310 Manor) to be packed, and if you're at all south, Koko's Bavarian (3003 S. Lamar Blvd., Unit F 105) might be your vibe even though it is neither English nor Argentine.
What to read
A post-mortem on what went wrong for France, and an assessment that "Spain are not covered in stardust."
Plus, here's a deep dive on Austin's Ismael Elfath, who will be head referee for Wednesday's match.
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. For more coverage, check out Emergency Podcast! (an Austin FC Podcast) wherever you get your podcasts.
Austin FC has a sixth straight Decision Day that doesn't impact its playoff chances. But its opponent from the Pacific Northwest has many scenarios to get into the postseason.
Brad Stuver was a surprising opening day starter in 2021, en route to becoming a six-year fixture in goal. For the last five years, he's been measurably one of MLS' best.
The 17-year-old Finnish youth international midfielder has officially signed with Verde through the 2030-31 season. What does it mean for a team that's most definitely rebuilding?
Austin FC let in four goals, making it the worst of Damian Las' six starting outings this season. However, Micah Burton and Ervin Torres connected on a goal that portends good things for the future.
Je suis triste.
I've made my love for France pretty clear throughout the World Cup, so Tuesday was gut-wrenching. Spain brought a particularly constrictive, stultifying defense to the party in Arlington, won a PK when Lamine Yamal took advantage of a Lucas Digne lapse, and then scored Pedro Porro one of the best-set-up goals of this (or maybe any other World Cup), effectively cruising to a 2-0 win.
From appearances, Spain looks the prohibitive favorite heading into Sunday's final, playing whoever emerges from today's Argentina-England semifinal. My hunch is that Argentina finds a way, but no matter what happens, we know three things for sure:
Only three matches left in the tournament ... but MLS is back! (We'll have more about that tomorrow, including whatever we can learn about Austin FC's match against Charlotte FC taking place later today.)
Round of 32
Sunday, June 28
Monday, June 29
Tuesday, June 30
Wednesday, July 1
Thursday, July 2
Friday, July 3
Round of 16
Saturday, July 4
Sunday, July 5
Monday, July 6
Tuesday, July 7
Quarterfinals
Thursday, July 9
Friday, July 10
Saturday, July 11
Semifinals
Tuesday, July 14
Wednesday, July 15
Third-place match
Saturday, July 18
Final
Sunday, July 19
Where to watch
With heavy thunderstorms in the forecast today, a trip inside is likely in order. I'd expect Haymaker (2310 Manor) to be packed, and if you're at all south, Koko's Bavarian (3003 S. Lamar Blvd., Unit F 105) might be your vibe even though it is neither English nor Argentine.
What to read
A post-mortem on what went wrong for France, and an assessment that "Spain are not covered in stardust."
Plus, here's a deep dive on Austin's Ismael Elfath, who will be head referee for Wednesday's match.
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. For more coverage, check out Emergency Podcast! (an Austin FC Podcast) wherever you get your podcasts.
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