The Joys of the World Cup
I do love festivals of football underpinned by corrupted bidding practices and very dubious host nations so I have been really looking forward to the World Cup. FIFA are very good at ticking all those boxes these days so I am confident that I will be well served for many years.
I had wanted to do a little blog post after each round of matches but the football has been relentless, absolutely relentless. I am watching every game, as I always [1] do and on weekdays, I am still working a fairly standard work day so I get home at about 6:30 pm and then watch three games of football yet none of them live. This does necessitate the basic exit from much of the normal communications during the day – so no checking of the news/Internet. People I work with mainly don't think that I like football so that is a fairly simple conversation to avoid, which helps. Anyway, that takes its toll and I have felt that a fair bit more than I remember doing before.
So, looking at the games after match days 1 and 2, what have I learned?
Aesthetics
There are a lot of teams with a lot of nice kits and quite a few which are pretty rubbish and that seems to be at random. I did not particularly like the Adidas templates in the photos but they largely look nice on TV. A lot of them seem to be referencing older kits with clear links to 1990 and 1994 with some of the shapes. The Danish one has got the chevrons so all's right with the world. I am still annoyed with some of the colour choices – especially around the shorts – but the look of the games is generally pretty good. I think all the stadiums look fairly similar at pitch level but some of those pitches have been terrible and that does affect the games and the players trying to pass it.
The TV presentation has been largely the same as it usually is with a few graphical flourishes provided by the host broadcaster. The way the scores are shown and the typefaces used are not great and a little gimmicky - the branding of the world cup as a whole is not particularly memorable. It won't stick in the mind like the dots of Italia 90, that is for sure.
Coverage
In the UK, there are two broadcasters for this tournament – ITV and BBC. It is the battle of our age, and every age. And in every age, the outcome seems to be the same with the BBC outclassing ITV at every turn. I have to be honest, I am not watching as much of the ancillary stuff so I'm not so aware of it all but of the bits I have seen, the BBC is a clear winner. A possible exception is the rather magnetic Slaven Bilic [2] on ITV coverage. As I am watching "as live", I do skip a lot of the nonsense but I do try and catch a little analysis too although I became a fan of the "no, kick off isn't at 7:45, it is at 8pm" at Euro 2008. One interesting aspect has been the use by both BBC and ITV of female pundits which has caused uproar with all the usual suspects but for me has done a little bit of a Gary Neville [3] for me on punditry. I didn't think Gary Neville was a great pundit but he just highlighted how poor most of it was before – all he did was take the job seriously and decide to do some research and understanding of things before he spoke about them. Both BBC (Alex Scott) and ITV (Eni Aluko) have accepted that they should not be token and they are entirely integrated into the normal punditry model. The BBC has also had female presenters (I do think Gabby Logan is an excellent presenter) and a female commentator too which should not be a point of interest but still is. The first England match was also, at the time, the most watched TV event of the year which is quite impressive in a Royal Wedding year.
That is the TV coverage but both channels have their streaming output (again, better on the BBC with their excellent iPlayer infrastructure) and the BBC also have a VR "app" which I have tried on the PSVR [4] , although it is available through other platforms too. This is only available live and so I have not had so many opportunities to try it. I did try it for Germany vs Mexico and rather enjoyed it. There were three viewpoints which you could select at will – behind each goal and one in the stands on about the halfway line (I guess near the media boxes). I think I have tried similar before for other matches but there was a major difference in quality. The picture here was very good (PSVR is a lower resolution picture than the actual PS4 output) but still not ideal. You could see the whole pitch and the shape of the teams making it feel like a great seat. I have been fortunate enough to have those kinds of seats at a few games I have been to at Anfield and it makes tactical understanding much sharper. The game changer here, the one that makes it a genuinely good experience, is that there is also a fake jumbotron floating above the pitch giving you the TV feed. For me, this is the best of both worlds – tactical view from VR and the replays and close-ups from the TV feed. It was actually a very watchable experience but wearing a headset is not as comfortable as not wearing one and this was not an evening game. I think I will try it again if the stars align.
Football
You see how this is fairly low down the groupings? That isn't a coincidence. I was excited about the start but I knew that the first game was between two poor football teams and it was one of [5] the worst 5-0 matches I have seen. The next few games were no better but after Spain vs Portugal, the quality picked up and matchday 1 was actually pretty good. Matchday 2 has also been pretty mixed in terms of quality overall but has created some interesting matchups. Maybe the best way of assessing is to consider which match of the third Matchday to watch in each group.
A. Uruguay vs Russia
The first game between Russia and Saudi left me concerned - these looked like to two terrible football teams. Egypt were a little toothless without Mo Salah and played as if they had him when setting up but just didn't have the quality. Uruguay were lucky to win with their off day against Egypt and then were fairly comfortable to beat Saudi to face the tireless Russians that seem to have taken an injection of pure enthusiasm after a set of abject displays in the previous decade. I'm not sure it will be a great game but it is always sort of fun watching Suarez and Cavani.
B. Spain vs Morocco
Maybe Spain vs Portugal was the best match of the tournament so far with a strange ebb and flow to the game as a vastly superior Spain were caught out and complacent a few too many times. Being the obvious favourites for the group, it actually made the group quite a simple one and so we have got to the last match with both expected to win to seal their places.
Morocco and Iran have been interesting opponents with both being tricky for the big boys and I especially liked Iran using a lot of the Spanish tricks against them. Iran can actually still make it against Portugal but I just don't really fancy watching them. The other story has, of course, been Ronaldo scoring four including, finally, a direct free kick after 45 World Cup attempts. Portugal are set up to serve Ronaldo and the team seem happy to do so which is at odds to the Argentinian setup. I don't find them particularly fun to watch though, as a result, but I can admire them.
C. Denmark vs France
France have been quite poor but have six points. They look pretty disjointed and ill-prepared but have such a set of players that they may not need to be coherent for the 90 mins if one player can do something in one moment. In many ways, this is a little like how Manchester United have played for a few seasons now and France look similar. It was disappointing to see the Peruvians beaten as they have been a very enjoyable team to watch on and off the pitch but they have ultimately been not quite good enough. Denmark have looked a neat side with Eriksen able to pull the strings and Poulsen providing pace and industry so it could be a good match.
D. Nigeria vs Argentina
Well… The story of the tournament, for many people, is the shockingly poor displays by Argentina and, by extension, Lionel Messi. Argentina look disjointed and disloyal - like a Chelsea team looking to get their manager sacked as they seem to do every few years. Watching Messi in this team is so strange as it feels like he is expected to play as the 10 but people don't offer themselves. It is a very odd situation where the player that can choose options quicker and better than anyone is given none. We watch with the chance it will happen or that there will be an outrageous fall from grace. Right now, either will do. Nigeria will offer a test but they may be easier to play for Argentina rather than an excellent Croatia side or the hugely disciplined Iceland. Iceland have been Iceland - in your face and unintimidated by their opposition. That crowd, and the thunderclap is one for the world, and the World Cup, to really savour. Iceland are happy to be there but we should also be glad to have teams like this there. Croatia were excellent in taking advantage of the sloppy Argentinians and were comfortable in taking Nigeria down with arguably the most accomplished performances of the group stages. Nigeria look ridiculous in their kits and although not as dazzling as the kits, the team were quite good at beating Iceland and will be a stern test.
E. Serbia vs Brazil
A group with Brazil in it is always defined by Brazil. There is something incredibly annoying for me about Brazil, they feel like a huge marketing campaign rather than a football team and have not been a particularly interesting football team to watch throughout my football watching life. A pragmatism allied with usually some genuinely brilliant players is what they have been since winning in 1994. Thus, watching them getting hammered in the last world cup ranks as one of my happiest moments in the world cup - they were lucky to lose by so few. Anyway, another year, another reeling off of Neymar's stats and how great he is not quite matching what I see on the pitch. Brazil do have one of the most interesting passers around in Philippe Coutinho so they are not always an elaborate show pony. In their matches so far, weaknesses have been shown against both teams and the annoyances around diving have come to the fore. Switzerland have looked a dangerous side at times with Shaqiri wandering around the forward line with a true snarling, scampering menace which could break out at any time. Serbia comfortably dealt with Costa Rica and looked comfortable against Switzerland until the second half and so go into the match needing a win. A set of good, technical players allied to the heft of Mitrovic makes them a little erratic but usually fun. The permutations make this interesting and a Swiss win or draw would take them through but Serbia need to beat Brazil with Brazil through with a draw. There will be a bit riding on this game and I feel it might show.
F. South Korea vs Germany
A tight group which is tightly poised at the death after German's travails. Germany are the big beasts here and losing the first game to Mexico, deservedly, after being repeatedly cut apart was an eye-opener. Mexico are quick to counter and open space really well as they did in their second game too. Sweden have played in a fairly Swedish manner with some solidity and something approaching flair but not quite getting there. German complacency almost allowed the Swedes to take a point, or even all three, but they weren't quite able to convert to points. Leaving them needing a victory which could take them through and it is plausible that Germany, Mexico and Sweden could end up on 6 points each as South Korea have been quite woeful. Germany have a lot of quality as has been clear but they have not really been creating great chances nor looking like the champions. Yet, they have probably done enough to win and were pretty good against Sweden so should have enough to defeat South Korea. That, could leave the positions decided by goal difference and maybe even fair play… The Boateng red card could prove more costly than initially thought.
G. England vs Belgium
This group always looked a bit 2 vs 2 and it seemed likely that this last game would be a decider. You might say it doesn't matter too much but it has repercussions for the draw so it will be played for. Belgium have been pretty solid and have an enviable selection of players to choose from with many neat, nippy players to provide the physical weapon that is Romelu Lukaku and +6 for goal difference is not to be sniffed at. England didn't look too good in the first game making it hard for themselves but had not been tested particularly either. Dismantling a weak Panama side gave them the an equal pole position for the group in terms of goal difference (excellently, they are topping the group due to fewer yellow cards than Belgium) but it is again worrying that goals have been conceded to weak sides. They look a little raw and naive - and that makes for an intriguing matchup as I think both teams will go into the match with expectations.
H. Senegal vs Colombia
I didn't feel there were many standout teams in this group and the Japanese victory against Colombia opened the group up. It means four fairly evenly matched teams with wildcards for each team that I rather rate (Kagawa, Lewandowski, Mane, James) giving it a nice balance. I feel like all of the teams would have been pleased to progress but would not necessarily aim for much more than that so it is a weird group. I have a soft spot for Japan and they have been their usual neat selves (with mental blockage) but the other game has more riding on it. Senegal and Colombia can both go through and with the even nature of the teams, I feel like any result could happen in both games so it is very open.
There is a lot to play for, and a lot still to watch. It is now that it starts getting truly serious.
I do love festivals of football underpinned by corrupted bidding practices and very dubious host nations so I have been really looking forward to the World Cup. FIFA are very good at ticking all those boxes these days so I am confident that I will be well served for many years.
I had wanted to do a little blog post after each round of matches but the football has been relentless, absolutely relentless. I am watching every game, as I always [1] do and on weekdays, I am still working a fairly standard work day so I get home at about 6:30 pm and then watch three games of football yet none of them live. This does necessitate the basic exit from much of the normal communications during the day – so no checking of the news/Internet. People I work with mainly don't think that I like football so that is a fairly simple conversation to avoid, which helps. Anyway, that takes its toll and I have felt that a fair bit more than I remember doing before.
So, looking at the games after match days 1 and 2, what have I learned?
Aesthetics
There are a lot of teams with a lot of nice kits and quite a few which are pretty rubbish and that seems to be at random. I did not particularly like the Adidas templates in the photos but they largely look nice on TV. A lot of them seem to be referencing older kits with clear links to 1990 and 1994 with some of the shapes. The Danish one has got the chevrons so all's right with the world. I am still annoyed with some of the colour choices – especially around the shorts – but the look of the games is generally pretty good. I think all the stadiums look fairly similar at pitch level but some of those pitches have been terrible and that does affect the games and the players trying to pass it.
The TV presentation has been largely the same as it usually is with a few graphical flourishes provided by the host broadcaster. The way the scores are shown and the typefaces used are not great and a little gimmicky - the branding of the world cup as a whole is not particularly memorable. It won't stick in the mind like the dots of Italia 90, that is for sure.
Coverage
In the UK, there are two broadcasters for this tournament – ITV and BBC. It is the battle of our age, and every age. And in every age, the outcome seems to be the same with the BBC outclassing ITV at every turn. I have to be honest, I am not watching as much of the ancillary stuff so I'm not so aware of it all but of the bits I have seen, the BBC is a clear winner. A possible exception is the rather magnetic Slaven Bilic [2] on ITV coverage. As I am watching "as live", I do skip a lot of the nonsense but I do try and catch a little analysis too although I became a fan of the "no, kick off isn't at 7:45, it is at 8pm" at Euro 2008. One interesting aspect has been the use by both BBC and ITV of female pundits which has caused uproar with all the usual suspects but for me has done a little bit of a Gary Neville [3] for me on punditry. I didn't think Gary Neville was a great pundit but he just highlighted how poor most of it was before – all he did was take the job seriously and decide to do some research and understanding of things before he spoke about them. Both BBC (Alex Scott) and ITV (Eni Aluko) have accepted that they should not be token and they are entirely integrated into the normal punditry model. The BBC has also had female presenters (I do think Gabby Logan is an excellent presenter) and a female commentator too which should not be a point of interest but still is. The first England match was also, at the time, the most watched TV event of the year which is quite impressive in a Royal Wedding year.
That is the TV coverage but both channels have their streaming output (again, better on the BBC with their excellent iPlayer infrastructure) and the BBC also have a VR "app" which I have tried on the PSVR [4] , although it is available through other platforms too. This is only available live and so I have not had so many opportunities to try it. I did try it for Germany vs Mexico and rather enjoyed it. There were three viewpoints which you could select at will – behind each goal and one in the stands on about the halfway line (I guess near the media boxes). I think I have tried similar before for other matches but there was a major difference in quality. The picture here was very good (PSVR is a lower resolution picture than the actual PS4 output) but still not ideal. You could see the whole pitch and the shape of the teams making it feel like a great seat. I have been fortunate enough to have those kinds of seats at a few games I have been to at Anfield and it makes tactical understanding much sharper. The game changer here, the one that makes it a genuinely good experience, is that there is also a fake jumbotron floating above the pitch giving you the TV feed. For me, this is the best of both worlds – tactical view from VR and the replays and close-ups from the TV feed. It was actually a very watchable experience but wearing a headset is not as comfortable as not wearing one and this was not an evening game. I think I will try it again if the stars align.
Football
You see how this is fairly low down the groupings? That isn't a coincidence. I was excited about the start but I knew that the first game was between two poor football teams and it was one of [5] the worst 5-0 matches I have seen. The next few games were no better but after Spain vs Portugal, the quality picked up and matchday 1 was actually pretty good. Matchday 2 has also been pretty mixed in terms of quality overall but has created some interesting matchups. Maybe the best way of assessing is to consider which match of the third Matchday to watch in each group.
A. Uruguay vs Russia
The first game between Russia and Saudi left me concerned - these looked like to two terrible football teams. Egypt were a little toothless without Mo Salah and played as if they had him when setting up but just didn't have the quality. Uruguay were lucky to win with their off day against Egypt and then were fairly comfortable to beat Saudi to face the tireless Russians that seem to have taken an injection of pure enthusiasm after a set of abject displays in the previous decade. I'm not sure it will be a great game but it is always sort of fun watching Suarez and Cavani.
B. Spain vs Morocco
Maybe Spain vs Portugal was the best match of the tournament so far with a strange ebb and flow to the game as a vastly superior Spain were caught out and complacent a few too many times. Being the obvious favourites for the group, it actually made the group quite a simple one and so we have got to the last match with both expected to win to seal their places.
Morocco and Iran have been interesting opponents with both being tricky for the big boys and I especially liked Iran using a lot of the Spanish tricks against them. Iran can actually still make it against Portugal but I just don't really fancy watching them. The other story has, of course, been Ronaldo scoring four including, finally, a direct free kick after 45 World Cup attempts. Portugal are set up to serve Ronaldo and the team seem happy to do so which is at odds to the Argentinian setup. I don't find them particularly fun to watch though, as a result, but I can admire them.
C. Denmark vs France
France have been quite poor but have six points. They look pretty disjointed and ill-prepared but have such a set of players that they may not need to be coherent for the 90 mins if one player can do something in one moment. In many ways, this is a little like how Manchester United have played for a few seasons now and France look similar. It was disappointing to see the Peruvians beaten as they have been a very enjoyable team to watch on and off the pitch but they have ultimately been not quite good enough. Denmark have looked a neat side with Eriksen able to pull the strings and Poulsen providing pace and industry so it could be a good match.
D. Nigeria vs Argentina
Well… The story of the tournament, for many people, is the shockingly poor displays by Argentina and, by extension, Lionel Messi. Argentina look disjointed and disloyal - like a Chelsea team looking to get their manager sacked as they seem to do every few years. Watching Messi in this team is so strange as it feels like he is expected to play as the 10 but people don't offer themselves. It is a very odd situation where the player that can choose options quicker and better than anyone is given none. We watch with the chance it will happen or that there will be an outrageous fall from grace. Right now, either will do. Nigeria will offer a test but they may be easier to play for Argentina rather than an excellent Croatia side or the hugely disciplined Iceland. Iceland have been Iceland - in your face and unintimidated by their opposition. That crowd, and the thunderclap is one for the world, and the World Cup, to really savour. Iceland are happy to be there but we should also be glad to have teams like this there. Croatia were excellent in taking advantage of the sloppy Argentinians and were comfortable in taking Nigeria down with arguably the most accomplished performances of the group stages. Nigeria look ridiculous in their kits and although not as dazzling as the kits, the team were quite good at beating Iceland and will be a stern test.
E. Serbia vs Brazil
A group with Brazil in it is always defined by Brazil. There is something incredibly annoying for me about Brazil, they feel like a huge marketing campaign rather than a football team and have not been a particularly interesting football team to watch throughout my football watching life. A pragmatism allied with usually some genuinely brilliant players is what they have been since winning in 1994. Thus, watching them getting hammered in the last world cup ranks as one of my happiest moments in the world cup - they were lucky to lose by so few. Anyway, another year, another reeling off of Neymar's stats and how great he is not quite matching what I see on the pitch. Brazil do have one of the most interesting passers around in Philippe Coutinho so they are not always an elaborate show pony. In their matches so far, weaknesses have been shown against both teams and the annoyances around diving have come to the fore. Switzerland have looked a dangerous side at times with Shaqiri wandering around the forward line with a true snarling, scampering menace which could break out at any time. Serbia comfortably dealt with Costa Rica and looked comfortable against Switzerland until the second half and so go into the match needing a win. A set of good, technical players allied to the heft of Mitrovic makes them a little erratic but usually fun. The permutations make this interesting and a Swiss win or draw would take them through but Serbia need to beat Brazil with Brazil through with a draw. There will be a bit riding on this game and I feel it might show.
F. South Korea vs Germany
A tight group which is tightly poised at the death after German's travails. Germany are the big beasts here and losing the first game to Mexico, deservedly, after being repeatedly cut apart was an eye-opener. Mexico are quick to counter and open space really well as they did in their second game too. Sweden have played in a fairly Swedish manner with some solidity and something approaching flair but not quite getting there. German complacency almost allowed the Swedes to take a point, or even all three, but they weren't quite able to convert to points. Leaving them needing a victory which could take them through and it is plausible that Germany, Mexico and Sweden could end up on 6 points each as South Korea have been quite woeful. Germany have a lot of quality as has been clear but they have not really been creating great chances nor looking like the champions. Yet, they have probably done enough to win and were pretty good against Sweden so should have enough to defeat South Korea. That, could leave the positions decided by goal difference and maybe even fair play… The Boateng red card could prove more costly than initially thought.
G. England vs Belgium
This group always looked a bit 2 vs 2 and it seemed likely that this last game would be a decider. You might say it doesn't matter too much but it has repercussions for the draw so it will be played for. Belgium have been pretty solid and have an enviable selection of players to choose from with many neat, nippy players to provide the physical weapon that is Romelu Lukaku and +6 for goal difference is not to be sniffed at. England didn't look too good in the first game making it hard for themselves but had not been tested particularly either. Dismantling a weak Panama side gave them the an equal pole position for the group in terms of goal difference (excellently, they are topping the group due to fewer yellow cards than Belgium) but it is again worrying that goals have been conceded to weak sides. They look a little raw and naive - and that makes for an intriguing matchup as I think both teams will go into the match with expectations.
H. Senegal vs Colombia
I didn't feel there were many standout teams in this group and the Japanese victory against Colombia opened the group up. It means four fairly evenly matched teams with wildcards for each team that I rather rate (Kagawa, Lewandowski, Mane, James) giving it a nice balance. I feel like all of the teams would have been pleased to progress but would not necessarily aim for much more than that so it is a weird group. I have a soft spot for Japan and they have been their usual neat selves (with mental blockage) but the other game has more riding on it. Senegal and Colombia can both go through and with the even nature of the teams, I feel like any result could happen in both games so it is very open.
There is a lot to play for, and a lot still to watch. It is now that it starts getting truly serious.
1. I think I have watched every available game of World Cup football since 1998 (or actually the latter stages of 1994, more strictly) not including games which are played at the same time such as the third group games. In recent years, that has been largely "as live" by recording games.↩
2. Yes, he of some fine World Cup ignominy in 1998 with Laurent Blanc.↩
3. Gary is actually on ITV but without room to breathe, he does not do much more than the other pundits to be honest.↩
4. PlayStation VR is a nice little setup attaching to the PS4. I have been absolutely blown away by at least one thing ((Rez Infinite) which I blogged about in 2016. I said at the time that nothing would be the same again. It hasn't been.↩
5. I think England vs San Marino was probably worse.↩
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