Over the next month, I'll be covering the World Cup for Tribalfootball. And along the way, I'd like to share with you some of my experiences and keep you up to date with all the action!
Global appeal
Lionel Messi proved again last night why he is the best player in the world. And one thing I couldn't help but notice before the game was the amount of international fans in Saint Petersburg just to watch the little maestro. (Below are fans from Russia, China and India)
You have to feel sorry for the Barcelona star playing in his Argentina team. It's either Plan A) Get the ball to Messi, or Plan B) Hope for the best. Marcos Rojo executed the latter perfectly, but that won't last in the knockout rounds.
Australia were knocked out yesterday as well, but they can hold their heads up high. Given our pre-tournament expectations, the fact there was a possibility of making the knockout rounds means the tournament was a success.
And the winner is…
The Argentina fans were exceptional last night. Before the game, Saint Petersburg was a sea of light blue and white. The noise as fans walked from the train station to the stadium let me know that seeing Argentina play live would top any other experience from this World Cup.
Mexico were incredibly passionate when they beat Germany, but La Albiceleste displayed emotion I'd never seen from a football game. Close to an hour after the final whistle blew, thousands of fans remained dotted around the stadium; they were singing, jumping, half-naked and crying.
It was pure unbridled ecstasy. And yes, it was a dramatic win that sealed their place in the knockout rounds. But could imagine if they won the final? Heck, even just their last-16 match on Saturday.
Last-16 taking shape
How exciting is this double game set-up?
Today we've got Germany vs. South Korea and Mexico vs. Sweden in Group F. Both knockout spots are up for grabs. Mexico should go through given their exceptional performance in their two wins. But they could still be knocked out with a loss to Sweden.
Our late games pits the exact same situation. Serbia can eliminate Brazil with a win in Moscow, where as Switzerland play Costa Rica, who are playing for pride.
