Two games a day feels almost refreshing now that we’re down to… 14 teams left in this competition.
The officiating at this World Cup has been… well, “good” maybe isn’t the right word, but “consistent” is probably closer. There’s been a clear directive to call fewer fouls and issue fewer cards (except, of course, for Michael Oliver) so that there aren’t suspensions later in the tournament. But I’ll be glad to see the back of Paraguay in this competition. They played one of the most cynical and awful
matches against France, playing ultra-deep defensive sufferball and fouling the crap out of France’s forward, and the ref let them. It was a disgraceful performance from both Paraguay and the match official. I’m hardly a France supporter but I was glad they won.
Here’s your daily recap and upcoming matches for today.
Day 23 Recap
Canada 0-3 Morocco
Goals: Ounahu (50’, 82’), Rahimi (90+8’)
It’s not that Canada was BAD. They actually won the xG battle against Morocco, outshot them and had more touches in the box, by a lot. It’s that Canada wasn’t clinical in finishing their chances, especially early in the match and Morocco eventually just wore them down. The first host to exit the tournament.
Paraguay 0-1 France
Goals: Mbappe [PK] (79’)
I’ve said everything I wanted to about this match in the article intro. One of the most perverse and cynical matches, and referee performances, I’ve seen in a long time.
Day 25 Round of 16 Matches
Brazil vs. Norway
4 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. BST
MetLife Stadium, NY/NJ, USA
TV: FOX (USA), Telemundo (USA – Español), ITV 1 (UK)
Stream: Fox One, Peacock (Español)
Current/former Tottenham players involved: none
Mexico vs. England
8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. (Monday) BST
Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
TV: FOX (USA), Telemundo (USA – Español), BBC One (UK)
Stream: Fox One, Peacock (Español)
Current/former Tottenham players involved: Djed Spence, Harry Kane, Noni Madueke (England)
