oranges@halftime
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QUARTER FINALS WHITTLING MORE
Exactly four weeks after the world gathered in Mexico City for the 2026 World Cup; the original 48 nations have been whittled down to just the 8. Now just the six. Where nowa most enticing proposition awaits. The Final Four could solely comprise of the EURO2024 Finalists plus the Qatar2022 Finalists.
FRANCE FOXBORO FACE OFF + THOSE PESKY VIKINGS AS YE OLDE SPOILERS
The Quarter Finals have kicked off on the pitch, as FIFA Upgrade Official Officials Number. When the beautiful game entered my world, there was but a referee and two linesmen. All 3 sporting immaculate black tops and shorts. Plus heritage like black socks to the knees. Topped off with the most immaculate looking pure white fold overs, will elastic bands to hold them into place. Precision baby. That number has increased 3 fold over my lifetime. Some inflation that Gianni? Not only that the officials attire comes in all shapes, sizes and uncool colours. Beacons they be. Now get this they don't all wear the same clobber. Team VAR FC look like they've just walked off the Star Trek Site as they go into battle against [Soccer] Star Wars FC.
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ARGENTINA Vs EGYPT THE AFTERS
Lots of bitterness and acrimony has flowed following the most outrageous and highly controversial VAR Intervention which led to a splendid legitimate Egypt goal been confined to the overflowing VAR delete bin. Something tells me this is not going to just go the way off way too much contemptible occurrences during what has been a most glorious World Cup on both the pitch and in the stadium stands. Which begs the question is FIFA still fit for purpose?
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ARGENTINE GRIT & VULNERABILITY
Egypt bought a game to the World Champions, exposed their significant vulnerability time and time again. Had them rocking on those proverbial football ropes. However Argentina are World Champions for many reasons. One of which was so evident with one of the most dramatic come from behind victories in World Cup Knock Out History. Plus we imagine Argentina had potted that Egypt goal which was subsequently ruled out by VAR.Hmmm...
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FOOTBALL FEELINGS FROM UPON HIGH
ONE NIGHT AT THE AZTECA. Biblical Like Conditions. Biblical Outcome. The grandest World Cup Opera House plays host to one of those moments which only happens generationally. The real fireworks were on the pitch. Then that festival love in from both sets of supporters in each others embrace. Without exception one of the biggest World Cup moments off the pitch for England Supporters too. You know those lot that get vilified and raked over the moral coals for just having a beer out on the street whilst chanting naughty step words. Go check your socials there on Mexico City post game.
SQUEAKY ENGLAND KANE REIGNS
As they book their ticket to an R16 date with Mexico and l'estadio Azteca Sunday evening. Falling behind early to the DR Congo, the two time EURO Runners Up left it rather late. A Kane brace. Harry's very late wonderwall winner might have been something out of Messi's playbook. The imperious Mexicans will be chomping at the bit to get amongst the European elite. A QF place at stake.
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YES WE CAN MNT
Canada vs Morocco match preview like nothing else you will ever hear, nor read about. World Cup History Tells Us One Certain Thing Upsets Are Part Of The Fabric Of Each Tournament. From USA spanking the English, North Korea sending Italy for an early shower I could go on.
We do not have to be at our supreme all over the pitch, all of the time. We must be clinical, cutting edge and bring our Copa America selves to the pitch. In Canada's Believer-In-Chief Jesse we trust. 🍁⚽🔥
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A GAME OF A LIFETIME UNTIL THE NEXT ONE?
#CanMNT players individually and collectively will need to be at their very best versus a World Cup dreaming Morocco.
Canada's Believer-In-Chief's performances are just an act. As Marsch's disruptive and distractive ways soak up pressure and take away the spotlight.
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#CanMNT GETTING THEIR LA GROOVE ON
Anything less than channeling their very best aggressive selves on and off the ball which was on full display during Canada's incredible run to a Semi Final berth at the 2024 Copa America - or it may end in tears Sunday lunchtime in Los Angeles. South Africa are no mugs as they showed the world in their victory over the more fancied South Koreans to book their knock out spot.
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