World Cup Love and Loathe: What even is a Kilometer, Marsch wanting attention, appreciating Andres Cantor
Balogun's brace, Andres Cantor's voice, Jesse Marsch's villain arc, and predictions for the day ahead
With the World Cup underway, here’s a column of some of the most important moments of this summer’s World Cup. With inspiration from The Mismatch, my favorite basketball podcast, here are the things I’ve loved about the days’ round of matches, and things I’ve loathed watching. It will be a tournament ot remember, have this be your morning companion as well (Until the LA Galaxy is back in action).
Love: Let’s believe America!
The USMNT’s 4-1 win over Paraguay is one of those moments that rally this country together. The dominant and gritty performances from the Stars and Stripes is exactly the DNA of this country.
With the match being on Primetime on a Friday night, all of America had the chance to see what this group is capable of. The U.S. dominated in the first half and had Paraguay in a chokehold for almost the entire first half.
The own goal to get the party started, Foloarin Balogun’s brace, and Gio Reyna’s goal with the last kick of the game was like a shot of red, white, and blue into your veins.
It’s just one game, and you shouldn’t get carried away, but it doesn’t hurt to belive right?
Loathe: Jesse Marsch
“You either die a hero or live long enough to become the villain”
That line for The Dark Knight is exactly where Jesse Marsh is at.
The American coach has made his disdain for how U.S. Soccer treated him clear every time there is a microphone in front of him. Like a politician running for office, there will always be small digs at his rival.
Marsch was the beacon of American coaching not too long ago. His breakthrough into coaching in Europe was monumental, given the lack of Americans in that arena. But taking charge of Canada has turned him into a voice that looks to undermine whenever possible.
He recently said that he had “to beg” players to sing the national anthem when he was an assistant coach at the 2010 World Cup. It’s a bold thing to say espically when you weren’t asked about it directly.
Unlike the other co-host, Canada couldn’t get all three points. So far, Marsch’s mouth is doing the talking more than his team on the pitch.
Love: Andres Cantor
Hearing the voice of Andres Cantor on Telemundo’s coverage made the USMNT’s victory on TV much sweeter for me personally.
I grew up listening to Cantor, and his iconic goal call every weekend. It never got old. His voice makes matches feel bigger.
Each goal the U.S. scored felt special with Cantor screaming Goooool. The man brings the energy and passion that this sport thrives on, and what this country needs to embrace to make soccer a key pillar of Pop Culture.
Loathe: Pulisic Injury worries
Injuries have always found a way to mess with Christian Pulisic’s career. The talent’s there but the stop-start nature of his early career was due to the injuries stopping him from getting that momentum going.
His halftime substitution was a precaution and smart move given how physical Paraguay played in the second half. Both Pulisic and Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that to reporters.
It was clear to see the dynamism the USMNT lacked at the start of the second half. Paraguay grew into the game while the Stars and Stripes adjusted to finding a different focal point.
Malik Tilman became that guy in the second half, but mostly because Paraguay started to chase the game more. In the event that something does happen to Captain America, I do worry how the USMNT will struggle to find that bite.
It’s not doom and gloom, but it will be one of those thoughts I struggle to get out of my head.
Loathe: Jonathan David’s decline
Just a few years ago, there was a consensus that Jonathan David was the best striker in North America. He was a killer at the club level and became Canada’s all-time goalscorer before the age of 25.
Fast forward to now, and it’s no longer the same David that was raking up goals in France consistently.
His first season at Juventus was less than ideal, with eight goals in 46 appearances across all competitions. For context, David scored 20 goals in back-to-back seasons before his move to Italy.
David vissibly held back Canada’s attack when he was on the ball. If he were in the form of a couple of years ago, there is no doubt in my mind that he walks away with a brace and leads Canada to the win.
Clip of the Day
The Trivela shot is one of the most beautiful strikes of the ball a player can hit when done right. It takes strong technique and confidence to be able to pull it off in a positive way. It’s why, despite never being an elite player, I hold a deep appreciation for Ricardo Quaresma.
Gio Reyna showed all of America how good and satisfying it is to see one of those hit the back of the net. Also, he announced on Social Media that he and his wife are expecting a child. What a moment for Reyna.
Prediction of the Day
It’s time for some upsets. And here are two predictions for you.
Morocco gets past Brazil, and Australia finds a way to squeak past Türkiye.