bookd.
Ajax2 - 2Heerenveen
Tough one. Good spell in the beginning from Ajax but they really shot themselves in the foot with poor decision making in both attack and defense, lack of quality at the 6 position, and (in my opinion) illogical substitutions. Leonardo looked slightly better than before but still not good at all. Several players looked invisible out there for Ajax. Trenskow was absolutely fantastic and took advantage of Caio Henrique’s poor 1-on-1 defending multiple times. Did not help that Regeer didn’t tuck in to stop the cut-back even after it burned Ajax the first time. Dolberg looked horrific and I really do not want to see him start another game. Lacked fundamentals at times (would wait for the ball to come to him instead of moving to it) while lacking the finer details at others (completely unable to finish). It’s a shame what happened to someone who was once a superb player. Nice goal from Ouazane but I want to see some more maturity in decision-making as the season goes on. Definitely felt like they missed a Godts-type in this game who is lethal but intelligent. Hopefully that can be found in the next few weeks, otherwise it’ll be a rough season. Frustrating to not capitalize on a two goal lead with the most expensive squad in the league when PSV AND Feyenoord both dropped points in the last two weeks. Might end up AZ’s year if the big three keep performing this way. Lots of questions to be asked in and around the locker room.
Heerenveen
Shelbourne2 - 2AjaxTotal scandal of a game. Paes is Paes, Bouwman needs to be loaned out, Blind needs to retire, Wijndal has needed to go for ages, Mokio needs a loan/Ajax need a new 6, Baas is Baas, can’t say much for Janse, Caio Henrique looked ok in attack but was absolutely exposed defensively, Gaaei looked alright. The only ones who should be allowed to stay are Janse, Gaaei, Caio Henrique, and MAYBE Baas. Edvardsen has to go, Leonardo has already proven himself to be a total flop and waste of €20 million, Regeer is Regeer, Carrizo is still too raw of a talent, Brandt looked ok but can’t do everything alone, Ouazane is still too raw, and Tolu was good but time wasting there was shameful. Let’s hope they use this to wake themselves up a bit considering they arguably should’ve lost this tie. One goal from a questionable set piece and a (luckily) disallowed goal for Shelbourne means this could’ve and arguably should’ve been 4-4 and in extra time.
Shelbourne
PEC Zwolle0 - 2AjaxTolu, Brandt, Ter Stegen, and Godts are total game-changers. Mokio with a really solid performance. It’s a shame that Godts will likely be gone next week but that’s showbiz unfortunately. A few moments were questionable during the game from the rest of the squad, but a clean sheet and an opening game win is solid. Michel’s dapp're strijders woorden landskampioen
AjaxAjax3 - 1ShelbourneThe finishing was really shocking, but overall not the worst Ajax performance in recent history. Tough one for Bouwman towards the end. His development or lack thereof is concerning. I feel like he needs another season out on loan once everyone is back. Godts looked solid. Rough penalty miss but regardless I feel like he was creating really good chances. It’ll be a shame if/when he goes. Beach for Shelbourne was also phenomenal. Surprised he’s not playing at a higher level.
AjaxAjax4 - 1Vojvodina
Ajax might be back.
AjaxVojvodina1 - 4AjaxAjax
Spain1 - 0Argentina
Decent game but incredibly one-sided and unlucky for Spain that it wasn’t 3 or 4-0. An argument could be made that this Argentina team put up one of the most pathetic World Cup final performances of all time. 0 shots until minute 117 is a disgrace for a team with the greatest player of all time. Not only were they disgraceful on the pitch, they even started a fight off the pitch after losing. Total losers in every sense of the word and deserved the result. Williams is a gamechanger. Was super impressed by him.
Spain
France4 - 6England
Ironically the most entertaining game of the tournament despite the fact that it had 0 meaning to many of the players. If Mbappe wins the Golden Boot off this I will laugh. Saka was immense and showed why he should’ve come on in the semifinal.
EnglandFrance0 - 2SpainSpain looked unbeatable. Team play>individual quality any time of day
SpainEngland1 - 2ArgentinaMessi is the GOAT and cowardly football has been punished again by the football gods. Tuchel has blood on his hands for letting this Argentina team go so far.
ArgentinaArgentina3 - 1Switzerland
One of the worst games of this World Cup in my opinion. Argentina played scared the whole game against a team who played without by far and away their best player. They then continued to allow chances when Switzerland’s second best player was sent off due to simulation. The problem was that the chances for both sides were shit and both played conservatively. Lots will be made about the lack of quality in the run that Argentina have had so far, which is honestly a fair complaint. This Switzerland team without Manzambi were miles worse than Egypt imo. None of those performances against vastly inferior opponents have looked good either and all three have been taken to extra time. Messi had a decent game. No goals, but a very nice assist and some good chances created. Just couldn’t find the back of the net. As for the red for simulation…do I get it? Absolutely. Is it understandable that a team/player would be frustrated? Absolutely. It definitely feels harsh given the positioning and context, but is also simultaneously probably a correct call. Another spirit of the law vs letter of the law. In my opinion, there needs to be more clarity in the rules surrounding simulation and regarding the application of VAR. I think more clarity would fix a good chunk of the problem. I will say, regardless of the officiating questions this tournament, I really do have concern for the future of the Argentinian national team. Oftentimes it feels like they’re entirely reliant on Messi. There’s obviously nobody who can fill his boots but the problem is that there’s nobody within a mile of his level on this team. Lisandro Martinez looks good defensively but you cannot just have one consistent defender if you want to be a consistent contender. Alvarez had a nice goal but I found him a bit meh outside of that.
Argentina
Norway1 - 2EnglandStill a little underwhelmed by England from a technical perspective but as is often said when it comes to this England team, good teams look good at times but great teams win. Jude Bellingham looked like Jude Bellingham. Harry Kane looked weak. Gordon looked solid. Madueke looked terrible and I’d be surprised if he sees the pitch again in this tournament. Haaland had a rough one but they simply weren’t getting the ball to him. No idea why he was hooked (maybe injury). Sørloth should not play on the wing again (or play period for the national team unless it’s off the bench). Nyland had a very solid performance again outside of the blunder that cost them the game. Tough for him after what was a really solid tournament because that moment is what everyone will remember.
EnglandSpain2 - 1Belgium
Spain looked dominant. Mikel Merino is one of the best super subs there is. As soon as he came on, you knew they were going to win it late. Yamal looked better than he did in the last few games, just lacked the finish. The game was over when Courtois got injured. Sad to see
SpainFrance2 - 0Morocco
Honestly a decent game and well-approached from Deschamps (which is not something I say often). Didn’t approach Morocco with fear and let them take control like Koeman, didn’t force his team to go all-out in the first half and use up all their energy like Marsch, and exploited mismatches in attacking quality better than Ancelotti did. Very happy that he has seemingly moved past that absolute sufferball that they played in Euro 2024 and previous matches against top opposition. To point out individual players for France, Mbappe has been an absolute monster (in the best way possible) and I feel as though his mentality is close to unmatched at the top level in this sport. The guy absolutely thrives in pressure moments and does not ever let a setback (like missing that penalty or having a so-so first half) get to his head. Despite the loss, Bounou remains absolutely world class. He really kept this a close game and his ability on penalties is truly remarkable. Crazy to me that top European teams aren’t foaming at the mouth to bring him back from the Saudi league. Hakimi really disappointed me in this game, I’ll be honest. Still had some good combinations and flashes where his quality was obvious, but his decision making was poor and oftentimes selfish (for example the free kick in a dangerous position that he blasted wide). Cannot have performances like that against a side with the quality of France. Curious for the next game to see how France approach Spain (less so if Belgium pull off an upset).
FranceSwitzerland0 - 0Colombia
Got a really nice nap in
SwitzerlandArgentina3 - 2Egypt
Good and entertaining game but it was inevitable that this would happen for Argentina. Part of that inevitability is the greatness of Messi and part of it is dubious officiating and “lucky” draws with getting what will likely end up as one of the easiest runs to the final ever, which unfortunately for Argentina, really has tainted any success they’ve had in recent years at World Cups. The story continued today, despite Egypt’s hard work. Part of this also lies on the Egyptians as they had this game completely in their grasp and fully blew it.
ArgentinaUSA1 - 4BelgiumI’m an American, so I want to share the American perspective and an American criticism of this. In arguably the most important game in the history of the program, this was one of the most shambolic USMNT performances we’ve seen. Absolutely 0 shape when attacking, defended without considering even the basic fundamentals, and made individual errors like it was nobody’s business. From the jump, it looked like the players were not ready. Part of that is the uncertainty from the things out of their control happening off the field, part of it is the pressure of the big moment. One of the biggest mistakes in modern US footballing history was making Christian Pulisic our leader. He is a player who has shown 0 mentality in the last three years, skipped multiple international call-ups because he “needed rest”, and then proceeded to sit out for two games in the World Cup that was supposed to be his because of a DEAD LEG. For context, Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan had each played for the national team in the past with MAJOR injuries and not just a leg cramp. In 2014, Dempsey played better than Pulisic has in this tournament and Dempsey had a concussion the entire time. A lot of criticism from this will be levied on MLS, and I think parts of that are accurate. Ream and Freese both had a bad game and major blunders. At the same time, guys like Berhalter honestly had better performances than Dest (who was arguably at fault for the first goal) and Pulisic. None of us expect this team to consistently compete with the likes of Belgium, but I’d honestly rather full of ok players who fight like hell than a bunch of stars who need to be pampered 24/7 and even then don’t give 100%.
Belgium
Portugal0 - 1SpainA bit of a snoozer at times but in the end there was a nice winner so cannot complain
Spain
Mexico2 - 3EnglandEverything you could’ve wanted in a match. End-to-end, controversial calls, technical excellence, individual brilliance, individual blunders, etc. The Viagra seemed to work😉 Santi Gimenez stinker as always for Mexico. Genuinely confused why they keep letting him play for Mexico.
England
Brazil1 - 2NorwayOnly caught the first penalty and the second half, but oh my LORD Nyland is clutch. Saved that penalty and had that finger-tip save from what was a truly insane deflection. It was really between him and Haaland. Haaland was also immensely efficient as always. Something like 26 touches but two goals scored. Brazil seemed unusually defensive and really allowed Norway to attack them, which was incredibly stupid considering the fact that their defense has been a problem for a bit and Norway have the most lethal and efficient finisher of the generation.
Norway
Paraguay0 - 1FranceI view games like this as a matter of perspective. Of course, we would all love every team to play inspiring and passionate but sportsmanlike football like Cabo Verde. Unfortunately, not every team is as interested in playing attractive football and some simply want to win at any cost. Paraguay are one of those types of teams. I have to say I was entertained by the shithousery, but of course I question the integrity of the sport if teams play like this consistently. A large part of the game is mental, which it’s obvious that Paraguay understands. The bigger question in my mind comes down to over if it is cunning or if it is simply unsportsmanlike. Maybe it’s both, but I’m not entirely sure how you can control what players say to each other on the pitch without it being a total overstep and preventing players from expressing emotion. Emotion is what makes the game special. I don’t want it to be policed in the game and I’m sure most people agree with that sentiment. With that being said, nobody wants the game to devolve to this, where such clear acts of provocation go unpunished. There has to be a balance somewhere and I’m curious what everyone else thinks about this issue.
France
Canada0 - 3MoroccoDecent game from a neutral perspective due to the action but incredibly frustrating to watch that Canadian attack. Jonathan David’s runs/movement would make you think he could be a top, top player and then the second he shoots, you understand why people want him out of the national team. If Canada convert any of those early chances, we’re talking about a completely different game. There are many if’s with this Canadian side any time they’re in big games. It became really clear after the second goal that they were simply gassed and demoralized. Questions undoubtedly should be asked about why substitutions weren’t made earlier by Marsch, but at the same time he is a large part of the reason they were in the knockouts so it’s not like people should be calling for his job. Morocco didn’t look great for most of this match, but one of the telltale signs of a great team is getting results even when they have an off-day. Definitely concerned for their attack against France (or Paraguay) without Saibari, but clearly today they didn’t need him to score. Props to Ounahi for filling in that role today.
MoroccoColombia1 - 0Ghana
Colombia really need to learn to finish their chances if they want to beat top opponents. It’s been a real problem for a while which is baffling considering the talent they have in attack. Ghana looked terrible. I’ve honestly been disappointed by their attacking output all tournament but they managed to only concede 3 goals all tournament which is definitely something they can build on.
ColombiaArgentina3 - 2Cape Verde Islands
One of the greatest matches in World Cup history. Cabo Verde deserve props. So much disrespect coming into this tournament and they have shut EVERYONE up. Messi displaying greatness as always, but that’s to be expected from him. Argentina really would be a group-stage exit without him and I think that’s totally fair to say based on how they played outside of Messi and Lisandro Martinez today. Horrible way to end the game with it being called on a throw where there was an obvious attacking opportunity for Cabo Verde, but at the same time it’s Argentina so what do we expect. Cabral’s goal should be a Puskas candidate and so far this year would be my winner.
Cape Verde Islands
Australia1 - 1EgyptFirst half was electric and really end-to-end. Egypt looked the better side almost the entire game. Second half was brutal and quite boring bar the own goal. ET was Australia playing for penalties and Egypt playing to end it. In the end, much like Netherlands-Morocco, football won. Beach was superb the whole match and deserves kudos for it. I understand subbing on Matty Ryan because historically he’s really strong on penalties but at the same time it kinda reiterates the idea that they wanted this to go there. It’s also a continuation of the solid performances from MLS, A-League, etc talents in this World Cup. Respect to Harrington for stepping up as an 18 year old while the grown men didn’t have the courage.
Australia
Switzerland2 - 0Algeria
Algeria are such a technically gifted team, but my LORD were their tactics nonexistent during this game. Zero attempts to draw Swiss players out of their low/mid-blocks until they were already two goals down. Once they were down, they finally realized that they needed to overload the Swiss by creating 2v1s in wide (but still dangerous) positions. Credit to Switzerland for having a game plan and sticking to it. They’ve dispelled a lot of the fears about attacking ineptitude that came before the tournament/after the first game. Manzambi is such a talented player and I’m excited to see how he develops.
SwitzerlandAjax2 - 3Tottenham
TottenhamPortugal2 - 1Croatia
Despite the fact that it was not the result I personally wanted and the first half was one of the most boring in the tournament, that second half was ridiculously entertaining from both sides. Ramos is my MOTM simply for the movement on that goal and the placement. Second half vs first half.
Portugal
Juventus1 - 2Ajax
Ajax
Schalke 043 - 2Ajax
Ajax
Real Madrid1 - 4Ajax
AjaxSpain3 - 0Austria
Complete dominance in all aspects of the game. Austria looked truly lifeless the whole time. Austria played incredibly openly for a team facing such a technical opponent. For much of the game Spain looked a bit one-dimensional but as the game went on, they phased in more intentional and direct play.
SpainUSA2 - 0Bosnia & Herzegovina
Obviously as a US fan, I will probably overrate this but I thought there were points where it looked competitive. Bajraktarevic looked very good for Bosnia and they definitely gained some footing when they brought on their more technical players, but the US still looked the more gifted/better team throughout the match (even with 10 men). Disagreed with the red card and think that it was an improper use of VAR, but at the same time it did provide for a bit of entertainment during the match. This might be a hot take, but I think Tillman has been the US’s most crucial player in this tournament. He’s constantly moving and trying to combine with teammates out wide, often giving them balls through that are incredibly dangerous. His goal was obviously quite good but I think the constant balls into dangerous positions and constant movement provided an underrated piece to the success of the team.
USA