Dmitry

I just spotted the first Uruguayan flag on a building in Costa Brava. There were A LOT of people on the streets of Madrid wearing Mexicam and Colombian colors before their last matches. Catalonians don't seem to give a shit about the WC after Spain's exit, and neither do the Castillians. Getting tough to find watering holes that show the matches. I've resorted to the Irish pubs.

Now I read that Man U wants Ronaldo back.

It seems that country loyalty is profusely coloring the recollections if this game. Rashomon, anyone?

Well, that brings their prospects down quite a bit, especially against a young hungry side on a roll, like France. Could be a chance for Suarez to shine... In other news, Ronaldo is possibly moving to Juventus, and Mbappe to Real.

In all honesty, if you saw this in any PL match, you'd want a red?

That grave injury shook the brains inside his skull, causing him to miss a penalty.

That's a pretty limp-fisted retort, my brother. Proves me right.😎

Pékerman, I believe, and Falcao said that the ref didn’t entiende espanol. At this level I'd imagine they could find a ref who could. No matter, ahora se abrigo. Kane is one hell of a player. Without him England hasn't got a prayer. Anyone else notice , didn't the same Colombian player cause both of their penalties? I think it was the same guy.

I’m sorry but that just isn’t true. James is a great player, but only has 2 assists in 3 games in this WC. Now imagine where England would be now without Kane. He won all their games for them, and has 6 goals. They only have 2 other goal-scorers beside him, both in the 6:1 Panama match. Talk of one player team...

True...but how many times did England get one on target either? Their clearest advantage was with corners, but Colombians headed those well away, surprisingly. Good game, warts and all.

Interesting refereeing in the E-C match yesterday. 6 yellows to Colombia, 2 to England. 3/4 if all whistles against Colombia, soft penalty call, referee who only spoke English...I’m just sayin’.

At least now we know that Pique is one hell of a volleyball player. The mood in Madrid is somber.

And Putin sent in his minion too. He only attends those matches where his team has a 100# chance of winning.

This is what Cavani will be showing his grandkids 30 years from now. Guy became immortal tonight. Don’t forget, I’m among the mostly tourist crowd. Guess how the Brits reacted to Argentina’s loss...

Maybe something in the Spanish musical vernacular, since I’m on the ground now? Getting ready for the second match, garnacha is flowing fast and plentiful here on Calle Santa Maria. Btw...btw, not a single VAR stop in the A-F match, have you noticed?

Argentine coach is a fucking moron. Argentinian defense was shit, wasn’t it. God damn amateurs lost them the match. Messi is a genius. Mbappe is a genius in the making. He made France’s match, single-handed. Barcelona or Real must have him at any cost. Brad, pick what you want from Amazon.

Belgian 2nd squad is making fools out of England’s center backs. If I were Colombia, I’d pray to play England.

Belgian coach put out their 2nd squad for today’s match. Doesn’t he want to win against England for this first time in almost 100 years?!

I was 100% sure of the German victory, so I was watching the Mexico-Sweden gamre, and only switched in the last 20 minutes, when it was all over for Mexico at 0:2. I wouldn't call Germans bereft of anything other than luck. They took at least 10-15 shots on goal in those last 20 minutes, just couldn't put it in the net. So, premature ejaculation for Germany. Thank you, Mr.Korean goalkeeper, and Herr Hummels! Mexico is very-very luck to progress. Swedes showed everyone how to effectively neutralize them. Has Löw resigned yet?

That's phenomenal ! These days you couldn't get a ticket for the El Clasico, unless you are a full member of either club, which, in case of Barcelona, is nearly impossible, unless you marry into the member's family, and for Real, can take several years. I just ordered the Sid Lowe book, it'll wait for me when we get back from our trip. Thanks for the recommendation.

PINK FLOYD - Pulse

Spain is playing Russia on Sunday. We're going to watch this game in Madrid. How cool is that?! My son is going to the Real Madrid summer training camp for two weeks, and we're dropping him off at the Santiago Bernabeu Sunday afternoon. I think today, pound for pound, is going to be the best game day overall. It's do or die for most of these teams. I will obstain from making predictions.

Let’s do it. Vamos Albiceleste!

Now you're stoking my impulsivity...I was ready to offer a modest jazz-related bet.