World Cup Daily: Matches and storylines for July 5
After a July 4 in which France and Morocco triumphed, the World Cup sets up for another quarterfinal matchup on Sunday, as Brazil takes on Norway and Mexico hosts England.
Soccer has been more beautiful than it was on Saturday, and depending on the heated takes I'm seeing so far, perhaps you'd say more beautiful than the new leaked Austin FC third kit (which I'm leaning toward liking).
First, Canada had more chances — at one point besting Morocco 51% to 1% on Futi's amusing "Deserved Win" match meter — but let in a goal starting a downhill slide and an eventual 3-0 loss, followed by an alarming Jesse Marsch post-match press conference in which he asserted Canada was the better team. (Also, Alphonso Davies wasn't activated for this match, though Jayden Nelson did get on as a late sub to show off his speed and skill.)
Then, on a Philadelphia afternoon with 95-degree temperatures and humidity in the 42% range, France met a Paraguay team thoroughly committed to uglying it up, and Uzbek referee Ilgiz Tantashev was thoroughly committed to letting them. Astonishingly, France beat Paraguay 3-0 in yellow cards, including one to Michael Olise for being near Matias Galarza as Galarza threw himself to the ground as if Olise had struck him. Tantashev did award a penalty kick, however, for a blatant ankle kick in the box, and Kylian Mbappé converted for what would stand as the lone goal in the 1-0 win.
Now, France and Morocco get to relive their 2022 semifinal showdown on Thursday. Today, Norway and Brazil get the action started mid-afternoon, and then Mexico and England play (possibly as thunderstorms loom) in the evening. The winners of those contests play Saturday in the quarterfinals.
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.
Soccer has been more beautiful than it was on Saturday, and depending on the heated takes I'm seeing so far, perhaps you'd say more beautiful than the new leaked Austin FC third kit (which I'm leaning toward liking).
First, Canada had more chances — at one point besting Morocco 51% to 1% on Futi's amusing "Deserved Win" match meter — but let in a goal starting a downhill slide and an eventual 3-0 loss, followed by an alarming Jesse Marsch post-match press conference in which he asserted Canada was the better team. (Also, Alphonso Davies wasn't activated for this match, though Jayden Nelson did get on as a late sub to show off his speed and skill.)
Then, on a Philadelphia afternoon with 95-degree temperatures and humidity in the 42% range, France met a Paraguay team thoroughly committed to uglying it up, and Uzbek referee Ilgiz Tantashev was thoroughly committed to letting them. Astonishingly, France beat Paraguay 3-0 in yellow cards, including one to Michael Olise for being near Matias Galarza as Galarza threw himself to the ground as if Olise had struck him. Tantashev did award a penalty kick, however, for a blatant ankle kick in the box, and Kylian Mbappé converted for what would stand as the lone goal in the 1-0 win.
Now, France and Morocco get to relive their 2022 semifinal showdown on Thursday. Today, Norway and Brazil get the action started mid-afternoon, and then Mexico and England play (possibly as thunderstorms loom) in the evening. The winners of those contests play Saturday in the quarterfinals.
To prepare, English sandwich chain Greggs has discontinued its Mexican-themed sandwiches ahead of Sunday's showdown (but resuming them on Monday). That'll show Mexico!
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
Where to watch
This seems like a good day to get to Takoba.
What to read
Here's a debate about Paraguay's antics.
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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