Good morning, TSFers! It’s primary election day across the U.S., so remember to go vote in your local elections, fellow Americans. I hope those of you in Europe are dealing with the recent heatwave well enough (or live somewhere that isn’t affected). I’ve seen plenty of people describing London as “too hot to do anything” these last few days, which sounds extremely unpleasant. Not to be too flippant, but it’s an excuse to watch more World Cup.
Today, we’ve got:
Portugal (1) vs. Uzbekistan (0), 1 pm
ET, FOX England (3) vs. Ghana (3), 4 pm ET, FOX Panama (0) vs. Croatia (0), 7 pm ET, FOX Colombia (3) vs. DR Congo (1), 10 pm ET, FS1
Argentina 2 – Austria 0
Leo Messi is incredible. He bagged a brace to back up his opening match hat trick and took sole possession of the World Cup goals record. The first was a magnificent, first touch finish from the top of the box. The second came after a bit of determination chasing a bouncing ball in the box (and a stunning touch to control an awkward ball). Argentina are playing really well. Everyone around Messi is hardworking, athletic, and unselfish – it’s a well-oiled machine.
France 3 – Iraq 0 (eventually – the match had a 2 hour, 11 minute weather delay)
When all is said and done, Kylian Mbappe, not Leo Messi, will hold the World Cup goals record. It likely won’t come until the next tournament, but he’ll have it. Mbappe scored a brace of his own – the first, a rocket into the top corner, the second a fairly simple finish from an Ousmane Dembele cutback. Dembele got a goal of his own, his first World Cup goal. Might we be heading towards a France-Argentina repeat final?
Norway 3 – Senegal 2
Erling Haaland kept pace with Messi and Mbappe with a second brace of his own, with both goals coming in the second half. Martin Ødegaard set up Haaland’s first with a long carry from the Norway half and a perfect pass to find his striker. Ismaila Sarr scored five minutes after Haaland to make it 2-1 and tallied a 93rd minute goal to make it 3-2 in a losing effort.
Algeria 2 – Jordan 1
I’ll admit – I fell asleep and didn’t watch this one. But I’ve watched the highlights! Jordan took a first half lead but two second half corner kick goals for Algeria claimed the points, deservedly. 20-year old Ibrahim Maza is quite the player. He joined Bayer Leverkusen from Hertha Berlin last summer and is already being linked with a move to the Premier League.
