Land Grant Week Mailbag Request
Let's get some questions!
About Yesterday's Games
Kind of...: FIFA really doesn't deserve such great soccer. It's hard to imagine how yesterday can be topped. Three of the most storied nations, each being pushed to the limit. Truly a wonderful day of play.
Brazil 2, Japan 1
Kind of...: Japan struck first (after weathering an initial Brazilian onslaught in the first ten minutes) and spent most of the first half looking like the better (or, at least, more controlled) side. But Brazil had another onslaught to start the second half and this one produced Casemiro's tying goal. Japan didn't look as crisp in the second, and the last 10-15 minutes, it looked like they were just trying to hold on. They couldn't, surrendering the winner to Gabriel Martinelli at 90 + 5. Japan showed out admirably, but with a 2.07-.33, Brazil was a worthy winner.
Paraguay 1 (4), Germany 1 (3)
Kind of...: Germany and Italy have 8 world cup championships between them. They're the two dominant European sides. And, over the last three cups, they haven't won a single knockout round match. For which nation is that a more damning statement?
Germany probably were wronged by VAR. And a 1.57-.35 edge in expected goals suggests an unlucky loss. But Germany was absolutely toothless in the first half and struggled with Paraguay's approach, which, admittedly was pretty cynical. Paraguay has clearly mastered the dark arts of time-wasting, rough play, and packed in defense. But it really didn't slow down the USMNT. And it's probably not going to slow down France. Germany has some soul-searching ahead of it.
Morocco 1 (3), Netherlands 1 (2)
Kind of...: A thrilling match...but not an upset. Morocco won the expected goals battle 1.38-.24, which suggests the Dutch were passive, when, really, there were just defended very well. Still they grabbed the lead midway through the second and seemed on their way until Morocco tied it up early in stoppage time with a gorgeous goal. Extra time was only slightly anticlimactic, with Morocco having the better of it. It is no solace for the Netherlands, but they still have not been beaten at the World Cup since the 2010 final, extending their record unbeaten streak to 16 matches.
Today's Matchups
Ivory Coast v Norway
Arlington, TX. 1:00 PM ET/12:00 GTZ.
Kind of...: Ivory Coast is quality, grabbing 6 points in group play and leading Germany for the middle half hour before wilting a bit. However, Norway must be considered the favorite as they have the better high-end talent and looked strong in defeating Senegal and Iraq. Obviously Erling Haaland is the story, but Norway is far from a one-man band. Ivory Coast was able to muscle Germany around in the group stage, but Norway seems like a stouter challenge (what a sentence to write).
MaximumSam: Ivory Coast checks in with Attiéké. I have never had or even heard of Attiéké, but Google tells me that it is fermented cassava that is grated such that it resembles couscous. Well, couscous advanced last night, why not go for the Ivorian version?
Norway responds with Fårikål, which I have also never tried. But it is apparently layers of lamb and cabbage that are slowly braised with peppercorns. Sounds more up my alley.
France v Sweden
East Rutherford, NJ. 5:00 PM ET/4:00 GTZ.
Kind of...: Sweden blew out the worst team at the tournament (Tunisia), got blown out by the already eliminated Netherlands, and got a "last match of group stage that didn't mean all that much to the opponent" draw with Japan. They do not have what it takes to compete with France. Watch for the awe-inspiring collection of talent France will roll out. But don't expect a taut affair.
MaximumSam: The French have no shortage of food options, but our AI overlords inform me the national dish is Pot-au-feu, a stew of beef, bones, and root vegetables. Can't go wrong with that. Sweden responds with Köttbullar, more commonly known as Swedish meatballs. IKEA gives me PTSD so I lean France.
Mexico v Ecuador
Mexico City, Mexico. 9:00 PM ET/8:00 GTZ.
Kind of...: Mexico is playing at home in the famed Estadio Azteca...against a nation whose capital is at an even higher altitude. Ecuador spent over 90% of the group stage tied with their opponent. They play things close to the vest and are comfortable with defensive struggles. It would be great if this match were decided by a sublime moment of offensive creativity, but it seems likelier that it will come down to a mistake or fortuitous bounce.
MaximumSam: Now we're talking. Mexico clocks in with Chiles en Nogada, which is a poblano chile stuffed with meat, and then covered in walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds. If done properly, it should resemble the Mexican flag. Ecuador goes with Encebollado, a fish stew with yuca and pickled red onions. For my money, pickled onions are a a real underrated powerhouse. They make everything great.
